Images: Vector Space System's Microsatellite-Launching Rocket

Meet Vector Space Systems

Vector Space Systems

Vector Space aims to begin launching its microsatellite-lofting rockets from Launch Complex 46 at Florida's Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in 2018. Take a look at the company's novel commercial launch plan in pictures in our gallery here.

This image: Artist's illustration of a Vector rocket lifting off. The two-stage version of the Vector-R is 45 feet (14 meters) tall and is designed to loft payloads weighing up to 140 lbs. (64 kilograms) to low-Earth orbit, at a cost of about $1.5 million per launch.

Vector in Space

Vector Space Systems

Artist's concept of a Vector rocket's second stage in space.

Vector Rocket's Nose Cone

Vector Space Systems

Cutaway view of a Vector rocket's nose cone and the cubesats inside.

Vector Shipping Box

Vector Space Systems

A Vector Space shipping box.

Nose Cone and Shipping Box

Vector Space Systems

Cutaway rendering of a nose cone and cubesat payloads inside a shipping box.

Nose Cone with Cubesats

Vector Space Systems

View of a Vector Space nose cone and cubesat payloads.

Vector's Electric Third Stage

Vector Space Systems

Artist's illustration of a Vector Space rocket's electric third stage, with cubesat deployer.

Vector First Stage Test-fire (1)

Vector Space Systems

Static-fire test of a Vector rocket first-stage engine on Dec. 8, 2016.

Vector First Stage Test-fire (2)

Vector Space Systems

Another image of the Dec. 8, 2016 test-fire of a Vector first-stage engine.

Vector First Stage Test-fire (3)

Vector Space Systems

Another view of the test-firing on Dec. 8, 2016.

Vector Second Stage Test-fire

Vector Space Systems

Photo of a second-stage engine test on June 9, 2016.

Join our Space Forums to keep talking space on the latest missions, night sky and more! And if you have a news tip, correction or comment, let us know at: community@space.com.

Space.com Staff
News and editorial team

Space.com is the premier source of space exploration, innovation and astronomy news, chronicling (and celebrating) humanity's ongoing expansion across the final frontier. Originally founded in 1999, Space.com is, and always has been, the passion of writers and editors who are space fans and also trained journalists. Our current news team consists of Editor-in-Chief Tariq Malik; Editor Hanneke Weitering, Senior Space Writer Mike Wall; Senior Writer Meghan Bartels; Senior Writer Chelsea Gohd, Senior Writer Tereza Pultarova and Staff Writer Alexander Cox, focusing on e-commerce. Senior Producer Steve Spaleta oversees our space videos, with Diana Whitcroft as our Social Media Editor.