Most of the small and microsatellites that have already reached space have done so by “hitchhiking” — catching a ride on someone else’s big, expensive rocket. Hitchhiking to space has real drawbacks: just like hitchhiking here on Earth, when you leave and where you get dropped off aren’t your decisions to make, there are very strict rules about what you can and can’t do during the ride. Those restrictions may be fine if your only goal is to prove that your satellite works in space, but if you are trying to build a business or accomplish a mission, you need your own ride, to the right destination and at the right price.
The makers, builders, and satellite entrepreneurs have done their part. It’s time for the rockets to do theirs. It’s time for LauncherOne.