Space Regulatory Glossary Industry

rideshare launch

noun

1. A launch arrangement in which multiple satellites from different operators share a single rocket, splitting the launch cost proportionally. SpaceX's Transporter program, the most prolific rideshare service, has deployed hundreds of smallsats per mission.
2. Rideshare has dramatically reduced the cost of reaching orbit — from tens of millions for a dedicated launch to as low as $275,000 per satellite for standard smallsat deployments. Launch brokers and integration companies coordinate manifesting, sequencing, and deployment.

Related terms

smallsat A satellite with a mass typically under 500 kg, encompassing CubeSats, microsatellites (10-100 kg), and minisatellites… CubeSat A class of miniaturized satellite built to a standard form factor based on 10 cm cubes (1U = 10x10x10 cm, up to 2 kg… FAA The Federal Aviation Administration. The U.S. federal agency within the Department of Transportation responsible for…

Mentioned in The Downlink

• How Satellite Licensing Works: A Complete Guide

  FCC, FAA, NOAA, and ITU filing processes, costs, timelines, and common mistakes. A plain-language guide to U.S. satellite licensing.

Browse all terms in the Space Regulatory Glossary →