Launcher
High-performance, 3D-printed rocket engines and an orbital transfer vehicle (space tug) for satellite deployment.
- CEO / Founder
- Max Haot (formerly CEO of Launcher, now President of Vast)
- Team Size
- ~80 (post-acquisition, integrated into Vast)
- Stage
- Acquired
- Total Funding
- Undisclosed (Acquired by Vast)
- Latest Round
- Acquired by Vast (2023)
- Key Investors
- Max Haot, Vast
Technology & Products
Key Products
E-2 liquid rocket engine, Orbiter orbital transfer vehicle (space tug) and payload platform. Formerly developed a small satellite launch vehicle.
Technological Advantage
The use of 3D printing dramatically reduces the cost and complexity of manufacturing high-performance staged-combustion rocket engines. Their Orbiter vehicle provides a 'last-mile' delivery service for satellites, increasing mission flexibility and value.
Differentiation
Value Proposition
Providing cost-effective and high-performance access to space and in-orbit services through advanced 3D-printed staged combustion engines and a versatile orbital transfer vehicle.
How They Differentiate
Launcher focused on the more efficient and powerful staged-combustion engine cycle, which is rare in the small launch market due to its complexity. Post-acquisition, its strategy is synergistic with Vast's space station goals, differentiating it from pure-play launch providers by focusing on being a technology supplier.
Market & Competition
Target Customers
Commercial and government entities requiring satellite deployment, in-space transportation, and propulsion systems.
Industry Verticals
["Aerospace","Satellite Communications","Defense"]
Competitors
SpaceX, Rocket Lab, Blue Origin (as a launch services provider prior to acquisition); now operates as a technology supplier within Vast.
Growth & Milestones
Growth Metrics
Vast acquired Launcher on February 21, 2023, to accelerate in-house advanced manufacturing capabilities, including the E-2 rocket engine. Post-acquisition, Vast plans to expand from 40 employees to 700 by the end of 2027 and develop a scaled demo module for launch in the next few years. Launcher's Orbiter vehicle is rideshare-compatible, and the company targets orbit reach in 2023 for space station tests.
Major Milestones
["2017: Company founded.","2022: Awarded a U.S. Space Force contract for the Orbital Prime program.","2023: Acquired by Vast to accelerate the development of commercial space stations.","Ongoing: Successful test firings of the E-2 engine at NASA's Stennis Space Center."]
Notable Customers
Vast (as an internal supplier post-acquisition)