US aerospace firm Vaya Space completes maiden suborbital test flight

Vaya Space, a Florida-based small satellite launch services company, said that it has completed its first suborbital test flight.

The company had launched its hybrid rocket from Mojave in California on 29 January 2022.

According to Vaya Space, the suborbital flight helped in demonstrating its hybrid rocket design that uses 3D printed fuel grains produced from recycled thermoplastics.

The small satellite launch services provider said that the launch paves the way for quick acceleration of its go-to-market strategy as it looks to scale for production.

Vaya Space has planned its first commercial orbital launch for next year.

US aerospace firm Vaya Space completes maiden suborbital test flight. Photo courtesy of Vaya Space.

Grant Begley — Vaya Space CEO said: “This is a huge milestone and demonstrates our ability with this technology to revolutionize space access. Vaya Space has become a viable force to be reckoned with.”

Vaya Space claimed that at ambient temperatures and pressures, the design of its STAR-3D Engine remains very stable, non-toxic, non-hazardous and non-explosive. The company said that the STAR-3D Engine can be safely transported, stored and handled, thereby giving an environmentally friendly substitute for conventional rocket fuels.

Robert Fabian — Vaya Space President said: “Creating new technology is not without its challenges. This achievement follows over 90 successful static hot fire tests and is a true testament of our innovative engineering and dedicated team.”

Ahead of its first launch from Cape Canaveral, Vaya Space has inked a Space Act Umbrella agreement with NASA. The small satellite launch services company said that it had won its maiden launch contract with various launch reservations placed for 2023 and 2024.