A Proton rocket. Photo: Khrunichev

[Via Satellite 04-30-2015] International Launch Services (ILS) and Dauria Aerospace have signed an agreement to study dual launch opportunities with Dauria’s Atom spacecraft and ILS launch vehicles. Officials from both companies will meet on a regular basis to study the commercial environment and explore mutually beneficial joint initiatives.

The partnership paves the way for Atom telecommunications spacecraft, which have a mass ranging from 1,050 to 1,500-kg, to launch on ILS Proton or Angara launch vehicles starting in 2017. ILS will determine what spacecraft could pair with the low-mass satellites, with the Dauria spacecraft stacked below, supporting an upper satellite for dual launch.

“This agreement … will benefit satellite operators who want a cost effective solution to launch their smaller spacecraft,” said Phil Slack, president of ILS.