Vector

Vector restarting operations under new ownership
Vector, a small launch vehicle developer that went bankrupt in 2019, is getting a second chance under new ownership, with changes to both its technology and initial markets.

Lockheed to obtain Vector satellite assets
Lockheed Martin will acquire the satellite technology assets of Vector by default after a bankruptcy court received no qualified bids by a deadline last week.

Vector proceeding with sale of assets
Vector, the launch vehicle and smallsat technology company that filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in December, announced Jan. 24 it is proceeding with plans to sell its satellite technology to Lockheed Martin or another bidder.

Vector files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy
Small launch vehicle company Vector filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy Dec. 13 as part of an agreement that could see some of its satellite technology assets sold to Lockheed Martin.

Vector’s lost contract gives wings to new startup Aevum
Aevum hoped the $50,000 Small Business Innovation Research study contract it received in early August would serve as a springboard to larger awards. Turns out it didn’t have to wait long.

Stealth startup lone remaining contender in DARPA responsive launch challenge
A three-way launch contest is now down to one unidentified company after two competitors backed out, DARPA announced Oct. 22.

Vector relinquishes Air Force launch contract, mission re-awarded to Aevum
Vector on Aug. 26 withdrew as the contractor for the Air Force Agile Small Launch Operational Normalizer (ASLON)-45 space lift mission.

Vector’s setback not seen as a broader industry problem
When small launch vehicle developer Vector announced it was suspending operations Aug. 9, many in the industry wondered if this was the beginning of a long-anticipated shakeout of an overcrowded market.

Vector replaces CEO, suspends operations amid financial problems
Small launch vehicle company Vector has replaced its founding chief executive and disclosed that financial difficulties have forced the company to suspend its operations.

Small launch vehicle companies seek improvements in government contracting
As Rocket Lab prepares the next launch of its Electron rocket, it and other small launch vehicle developers say the U.S. government can be a better, and smarter, customer for their services.

Former Blue Origin and SNC executive joins Vector
Small launch vehicle Vector has hired a new chief financial officer who previously held similar positions at Blue Origin and Sierra Nevada Corporation.

Commercial, not government, demand will drive size of small launch vehicle market
Startups in the burgeoning small launch vehicle market acknowledge that only a handful of vehicles will survive a likely shakeout, driven more by commercial rather than government demand.

Three companies selected for DARPA Launch Challenge
Three launch vehicle developers, one of which is still in stealth mode, have qualified to compete in a DARPA competition in early 2020 to demonstrate responsive launch capabilities.

Vector isn’t eager for legal fight with Lockheed Martin
Even though Vector Launch filed a patent infringement lawsuit against Lockheed Martin, the Arizona startup is not eager to spend millions of dollars fighting the aerospace giant.