Images: Vector Space System's Microsatellite-Launching Rocket

Meet Vector Space Systems

Vector Space aims to begin launching its microsatellite-lofting rockets from Launch Complex 46 at Florida's Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in 2018. Take a look at the company's novel commercial launch plan in pictures in our gallery here.

This image: Artist's illustration of a Vector rocket lifting off. The two-stage version of the Vector-R is 45 feet (14 meters) tall and is designed to loft payloads weighing up to 140 lbs. (64 kilograms) to low-Earth orbit, at a cost of about $1.5 million per launch.

Vector in Space

Artist's concept of a Vector rocket's second stage in space.

Vector Rocket's Nose Cone

Cutaway view of a Vector rocket's nose cone and the cubesats inside.

Vector Shipping Box

A Vector Space shipping box.

Nose Cone and Shipping Box

Cutaway rendering of a nose cone and cubesat payloads inside a shipping box.

Nose Cone with Cubesats

View of a Vector Space nose cone and cubesat payloads.

Vector's Electric Third Stage

Artist's illustration of a Vector Space rocket's electric third stage, with cubesat deployer.

Vector First Stage Test-fire (1)

Static-fire test of a Vector rocket first-stage engine on Dec. 8, 2016.

Vector First Stage Test-fire (2)

Another image of the Dec. 8, 2016 test-fire of a Vector first-stage engine.

Vector First Stage Test-fire (3)

Another view of the test-firing on Dec. 8, 2016.

Vector Second Stage Test-fire

Photo of a second-stage engine test on June 9, 2016.