Equatorial Space Systems provides modular hybrid launch vehicles—VOLANS for low‑Earth orbit and DORADO for suborbital flights—using an explosives‑free high‑regression‑fuel engine that reduces launch cost by up to 80 % and greenhouse‑gas emissions by roughly 60 %. The rockets handle payloads from 5 kg to 500 kg and launch from near‑equatorial sites, delivering affordable, low‑emission access for small satellite developers, research labs, and educational programs.
Funding
Funding not disclosed
Founders
Product
Problem
Access to space for small payloads is constrained by high launch costs, reliance on explosive propellants, and limited launch site flexibility, which together hinder rapid, affordable missions for satellite operators, researchers, and educational programs.
Solution
Equatorial Space Systems offers a family of modular launch vehicles—VOLANS for low‑Earth orbit and DORADO for suborbital trajectories—built around a proprietary, explosives‑free hybrid propulsion system (HRF‑1). By eliminating pyrotechnics and using a high‑regression‑fuel hybrid engine, the rockets achieve up to 80 % cost reduction compared with traditional kerolox systems and cut greenhouse‑gas emissions by roughly 60 %. The modular architecture supports payload capacities from 5 kg (suborbital) to 500 kg (orbital), and the vehicles can launch from near‑equatorial sites, providing direct access to a wide range of inclinations. An additional student‑focused kit (SPARK) enables academic institutions to run end‑to‑end mission simulations with the same pyrotechnic‑free technology.
Target Audience
Primary customers are small satellite developers, research labs requiring suborbital microgravity access, and universities or K‑12 programs seeking hands‑on rocket training. Government and commercial entities needing low‑cost, environmentally responsible launch options also constitute a key market segment.
Features
- Hybrid rocket motor using proprietary High Regression Fuel 1 (HRF‑1) with LOX or NOX oxidizer, delivering explosive‑free thrust and simplified ground handling
- Modular airframe variants: VOLANS (60‑150‑500 kg to LEO) and DORADO (5 kg to 100 km suborbital) sharing common propulsion and avionics
- Near‑equatorial launch capability allowing direct insertion into user‑specified orbital inclinations, reducing delta‑V penalties
- Green performance: up to 60 % lower greenhouse‑gas emissions and negligible toxic effluents compared with conventional solid/kerolox rockets
- Cost efficiency: up to 80 % reduction in launch price versus traditional kerolox services, enabled by simplified motor design and reusable ground infrastructure
- FLEXLAUNCH rideshare platform for frequent, on‑demand suborbital flights in the United States and Australia
- SPARK student payload kit with electrically triggered parachute deployment, providing a fully pyrotechnic‑free educational launch experience
- Integrated telemetry and data downlink compatible with standard ground stations and cloud‑based mission dashboards