The GRITSS mission successfully launched this morning aboard SpaceX’s Transporter-17 rideshare mission from Space Launch Complex 4E (SLC-4E) at Vandenberg Space Force Base, California. Developed on behalf of NASA and the University of Massachusetts Lowell (UML), the mission will demonstrate innovative geodetic technologies designed to improve the accuracy of the International Terrestrial Reference Frame (ITRF), a fundamental reference system that supports Earth observation, navigation, and climate science.

ISISPACE was responsible for the design, manufacturing, integration and launch preparation of the 12UXL spacecraft, while also providing its flight-proven QuadPack deployer and launch integration services. The mission combines ISISPACE’s small satellite expertise with the scientific leadership of NASA and UML to enable a technology demonstration that could benefit future Earth observation missions.

Jeroen Rotteveel, CEO at ISISPACE, said: “GRITSS is an excellent example of how commercial spacecraft capabilities can help accelerate scientific innovation. We’re proud to have partnered with NASA and the University of Massachusetts Lowell to transform an innovative concept into a flight-ready mission. As the spacecraft begins its journey in orbit, we look forward to supporting the mission through its early operations and to seeing how the technologies demonstrated by GRITSS will contribute to the future of Earth observation and geodetic science.”

Following launch and spacecraft deployment, ISISPACE will support the mission’s Launch and Early Orbit Phase (LEOP), working closely with the mission partners to establish contact with the spacecraft, carry out the commissioning activities required before payload operations begin, and perform experiment data collection.

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