Company Update
23/10/24
Here at Fusion Space our teams are constantly working hard on new projects as we progress towards our vision of a multi-planet species. Today we have a large update for the public as we take a look at our journey so far this year and look at what we have planned for the future.
Please ask any questions you have as we'll happily answer them.
Fusion Two
This year we debuted our heavy lift launch vehicle known as Fusion Two. It has launched 4 times with complete success, taking Droomanity further than ever before. We launched a mission to Luna and Cylero, both within two months of each other.
Unfortunately, the Fusion Two program is not immune from problems. This rocket was originally designed to be a temporary solution while we developed a fully reusable rocket which was scrapped a long time ago.
This has led to several technical difficulties as we turned it into our main launcher, which limited our launch cadence and required multiple software updates for each mission.
Ultimately, in late July, we suffered a catastrophic failure with Fusion Two as we attempted a wet dress rehearsal with Ship 2 ahead of our most ambitious mission ever.
Ship 2 being stacked on Fusion Two
Ship 2
As we look ahead to making life multi-planetary, we need a big rocket, and we mean BIG, but we also need to make it cheap and reliable. In order to do this, we repurposed an old rocket prototype with hardware for our newest rocket, which we'll talk about later in this update.
This resulted in the vehicle known as Ship 2. This test bed was fitted with a variety of systems to test on orbit, such as Junolink antennas, hotgas thrusters, propellant transfer technology and software planned for use on our new rocket.
We originally planned to launch Ship 2 onboard a modified Fusion Two booster in mid-August to a low Droo orbit. However, during a wet dress rehearsal ahead of flight, the forward section of the booster had an over pressure event causing a detonation of the entire rocket.
This was the result of a manufacturing error during construction of the CH4 tank. After teams completed the investigation, we decided to retire the current Fusion Two design and make way for Block Two!
Fusion Two Renewed Edition
Because of the constant technical difficulties and eventual catastrophic failure of a Fusion Two rocket, we took a hard look at the design of Fusion Two and realised that we could make significant changes to our workhorse rocket.
We'd like to introduce you to our renewed Fusion Two rocket, taking us into a new era of spaceflight and change in the market!
Fusion Space teams have worked super hard to completely redesign the Fusion Two rocket. We have made thousands of design changes to increase reliability and launch cadence while reducing costs for customers and if that wasn't good enough for you, we have a number of additional services being debuted alongside our redesigned launcher!
What’s new on Fusion Two?
- Reduced part count
- Vehicle simplification
- Reduced dry mass
- Changing from 14 engines to 12 on Stage One
- Removal of all hydraulic systems and replaced with electric
- Improved engine shielding
- Aeolus 2 Vacuum engine on Stage Two
- Aeolus 1.6 engines on Stage One
- Increased landing leg size and strength
- Updated fins for landing
- Newly designed fairings for recovery
- Newly designed pad for quicker turnaround
- New payload adapters
- Cheapest price per kilogram of all rockets ($300)
Customer Guide to Fusion Two
Fusion Two will be the most dynamic launch vehicle ever designed. We aim to support almost every possible customer need. Take a look at what we can offer below.
- Up to 30 payload configurations to support every possible mission
- Junolink communications for customer payloads
- 185° degree range of inclinations
- Launches to other planetary systems
- Multiple types of rideshare missions available
- 50000kg to LDO
- $15,000,000 price for dedicated missions
If you wish to book a flight on Fusion Two you can now apply here!
Transporter Erector
To go alongside our brand new Fusion Two design, we have a new launch platform known as a transporter erector. It can provide all the propellant and gases required for launch and even has fueling lines to support propellant loading of payloads inside the fairing. Previously, all payloads had to be loaded with propellant before being encapsulated inside our fairing.
Transporter certification testing
Pad 01B
Pad 01B is our new launch pad designed specifically for Fusion Two Renewed Edition. It has been completely reworked based on data from Pad 01A, which has now been demolished for reconstruction.
This new pad design has streamlined propellant systems which will allow for higher capacity and faster loading times while increasing safety by 10x over its predecessor and is ready to support our growing launch cadence requirements for 2025.
You may have noticed the tower foundation at the side of the flame trench. This is being designed to support cargo and crewed capsules along with general payload maintenance. We aim to complete this by the end of the year.
Pad 01B flyover
Aeolus Engine
This year saw the introduction of Aeolus V1.5 on Fusion Two. It has successfully powered 4 orbital flights with 111 successful in-flight ignitions and 4 failures. We have since moved onto Aeolus V1.6 on F2RE which has numerous reliability upgrades and a streamlined construction process.
As you saw in the F2RE unveil, we have a new engine for the second stage. This is Aeolus V2.0 which is a larger and more powerful version of Aeolus designed for the Gryphon rocket and has already flown on our low altitude prototype SN4.
Aeolus V1.6 Statistics
Aeolus V2.0 Statistics
Project Updates
Fusion Space has been working on several projects this year, and we'd like to go through some of them in detail as they progress towards completion.
Kickstages
As we work to increase access to space, we want to give customers more options for their payloads. As of 2024, customers will have access to two different kickstages. One of which has re-entry capability, let's take a look at what we have in store for you all.
Eclipse V2.0
Eclipse V2.0 is our small OTV designed to move small satellites around Droo orbit in ways that our rockets cannot. With our OTV, we can offer precise maneuverability and communications with Junolink satellites.
Eclipse V2.0 OTV
Eclipse V2.0 will be available on day one of the mission bookings being open. Here are some statistics for potential customers to look at.
Eclipse V2.0 Statistics
- $115,000 not including launch
- 700m/s of Delta V
- 570kg of Payload
- Up to 10 payload configurations on rideshare and dedicated flights
Voyager V1.0
Voyager is our re-entry capable kickstage designed for taking science payloads home from orbit whenever the customer desires. It has a pressurized container inside that can hold up to 100kg of payload, and it can stay in orbit for 500 days.
Capsule return render
Due to Voyager being in the process of a redesign, we don't have any images to show of the main spacecraft, but we do have some statistics to share.
Voyager V2.0 Statistics
- $150,000 not including launch
- 1000m/s of Delta V
- 100kg of Payload
Third Stage research study
Fusion Space has been conducting research on the feasibility of a third stage that would be encapsulated within the fairing of Fusion Two.
This third stage would be designed mainly to support interplanetary missions and would be powered by the ISX Hellcat engine which we have purchased 10 of so far.
Conceptual render
We do not have much to share on the progress of this study, but we do have some specifics for any potential customers.
Third Stage statistics
- $500,000 not including launch
- 2500m/s of Delta V
- 35000kg of payload
Junolink satellite communications network
Junolink was revealed in our last update just over 5 months ago, with the goal of having 450 communications satellites in LDO.
Unfortunately, we have not been able to launch these satellites as quickly as previously hoped, with only 30 in operational status. However, we signed multiple contracts with other companies to provide Junolink with the required cadence to become a fully operational communications network.
Launchers selected:
* SASA
* Kuiper Space
* Aurore Space
With three launch providers for Junolink among our existing partners, we should have all 450 satellites in orbit by Q2 2025, which will allow Fusion Space rockets to be fully dependent on them, eliminating the need for ground stations.
Junolink satellite in space
As of now, customers will be able to buy a Junolink antenna to attach to their spacecraft for communications, but this is only for satellites launching on a Fusion Space rocket, but with only 30 satellites in orbit, you will not be able to have 100% coverage around Droo orbit.
Commercial Space Station
Fusion Space and its numerous partners have been hard at work creating the largest space station ever designed. The first module is currently scheduled for launch late this year, and we have given out multiple contracts to support crew and cargo missions to the station.
Take a look at what we've been working on over these past few months below.
Fusion Space:
Module construction!
On the left you can see Module One! This is the main science module where research will be conducted by astronauts during their stay. There is still a lot of equipment to be added, such as railings for EVA's and RCS systems for control. We also plan to add a track system for a mobile robotic arm which will be built by HazratAERO
On the right you can see the power and propulsion module. It'll power the station with swappable solar panels and maintain the desired orbit with four small methalox thrusters. We chose methalox for easy refueling operations using F2 second stages.
The engines are a reused design from our LunaRock lander program and will produce a combined 10kN of thrust which will give the station the capability to move into a completely new orbit if needed.
Dynamics:
Capella Render
Dynamics has been hard at work developing Capella. So far, we have completed three successful cryo tests with prototype vehicles and are moving into static fire tests. Capella is also being prepared for testing its docking systems next month.
We are aiming for a flight test of Capella on October 31st with its first flight with docking systems on November 31st. We will continue to update our progress and work hard on getting Capella ready to support resupply missions for Fusion Space. - Provided by Dynamics
DAXT:
Cargo Calypso Spacecraft Render
Your Revolutionary expendable cargo spacecraft has arrived! With the possibility to extend it to either L configuration or M configuration (Large or Medium, length), It can deliver almost ANY payload in its pressurized segment to Commercial Space Station with ease. Using active docking adapter development by Fusion Space as well as solar arrays and engine/maneuvering thrusters by DAXT, with autonomous docking mechanism, it can dock to any module with same type of docking adapter. It can be controlled automatically or with SCCLink (SpaceCraftControlLink), from either ground or the space station itself. First vehicle to launch is CC-103. This is the first vehicle from the Block 2 variant. Block 1 was for ground tests only. In the future, we will introduce Block 2 Enhanced, with extended abilities and then, Block 3. Block 3 is gonna be a reusable variant of this spacecraft. But for now, Block 2 it is! - Provided by DAXT
Spire Aeronotics:
Although Spire does not have any major updates on their crew capsule for this update, they are hard at work preparing for the first launch of Perseus. It'll be the rocket used to transport astronauts to the space station and is currently targeting a launch in October!
Pacific Space:
Zeta Space Station Habitat Module
Exciting news from the Zeta project! The Habitat Module is nearing completion and has some incredible features designed to ensure a comfortable and safe environment for long-term space missions. Here’s a breakdown of what’s in store:
Living Quarters: Private sleeping pods, personal storage, and recreation areas for downtime and privacy.
Advanced Life Support: Top-tier state of the art next-gen systems for air, water filtration, and temperature control to maintain a Droo-like environment.
Radiation Protection: Enhanced shielding tech to protect the crew from harmful cosmic radiation.
Modular Layout: Flexible design allows for future expansion or mission-specific configurations.
Shared Spaces: Communal dining, exercise, and social areas are included to boost morale and team cohesion.
We’re excited about these advancements and can’t wait to share more updates as we approach the final testing phase! Stay tuned for further details!
We are all looking forward to updating everyone about the progress of this space station later this year. - Provided by Pacific Space
LunaRock Program
During our last update we announced a series of Luna sample return missions scheduled for launch in Q3 2024. We have slipped a little into Q4 2024, but we are proud to announce that the first LunaRock lander is scheduled to launch on October 20th 2024! It'll embark on a 14-day mission which will hopefully end up with up to 50kg of Luna soil and rock being returned to the surface of Droo for study. This is the first major step in putting Droods on other worlds as it'll give us information on what Luna is like and will provide us with a real landing experience!
In a few weeks we will be releasing a dedicated LunaRock forum post full of details for you all to look at!
LunaRock One being assembled for launch
LunaRock landing feet testing
LunaRock return SRB testing
Our journey across the stars
The ultimate goal of Fusion Space is to expand droomanity's presence in the solar system and make life multiplanetary. To do this we need a big rocket. In fact, it'll be the most ambitious rocket ever designed. We'd like to unveil Gryphon to all of you! It is our next gen super heavy lift launch vehicle and it will be 100% reusable.
We want to give you a complete in depth look at Gryphon today, but everything is still in a prototyping phase and can change as the vehicle evolves, so please keep that in mind.
The Gryphon spacecraft and Fusion Four booster, collectively referred to as Gryphon, will be a fully reusable super heavy lift launch vehicle designed to take and support Droods across all major celestial bodies in the Juno system.
It will be the most powerful launch system ever developed, capable of taking up to 175 tons to any destination while being fully reusable.
Basic info
Fusion Four is the first stage of the Gryphon launch system. It is the fourth iteration of the Fusion standard booster design and is powered by 26 Aeolus 2.0 engines using liquid methane and oxygen as propellant, producing 5800 tons of thrust. Fusion Four is a fully reusable booster that will re-enter Droo's atmosphere after launch and perform a powered landing at the launch site.
Gryphon is the second stage of the Gryphon launch system. It is a fully reusable spacecraft that comes in multiple different variants with the capability of delivering cargo and droods anywhere in the Juno system, which will enable the colonization of Droo's moons and soon beyond...
Gryphon Concept Video
Please keep in mind that this is nowhere near the final form of Gryphon. We expect to make many changes to the design in the coming months and as we do, we will share them with you.
Gryphon Capabilities
DROO TRANSPORTATION
As launch costs get lower, Gryphon has the potential for civilian and military transport across the planet with a majority of trips lasting around ~45 minutes carrying up to 50 tons of payload.
Droo to Droo concept
ORBITAL REFILLING
Gryphon has the capability to dock to orbital refilling depots in low Droo orbit prior to departure to any destination in the Juno system. Orbital refilling is the key to taking high weight cargo to any destination. With full reusability, launch costs will primarily be propellant, making launching Droods to other worlds feasible.
Propellant Depot concept
SATELLITE DEPLOYMENT
Gryphon will be the cheapest launch vehicle at $228 per kilogram. Paired with the best capability for travel and the largest payload bay, Gryphon will be able to take the largest satellites ever built to any location.
INTERPLANETARY TRAVEL
Building colonies on other worlds requires a fully reusable rocket at the lowest cost possible. Gryphon makes this possible with full reusability and will take up to 30 Droods per mission alongside dozens of cargo ships
Gryphon arrives at Cylero
Our development journey
Gryphon is currently in a rapid development phase where hardware is built and tested then further improved upon.
We have already made numerous test tanks and flight vehicles, and we'd like to show what we have done so far and what is yet to come...
SN1
Testing started out with a small subscale tank made from 301 stainless steel. The domes and tank walls were only 5mm thick.
The goal was to test out welding techniques which ended up resulting in a spectacular forward dome overpressure. Teams quickly analyzed the data for SN2...
SN1 forward dome overpressure (4.7.24)
SN2
SN2 was a modified version of the SN1 design, but all reinforcements were moved onto the internals of the tank and more time was taken to do the welding. Moreover, a landing tank was fitted on top of the prototype for additional data.
SN2 was tested successfully twice at 5.5 bar before being retired.
SN2 during a cryogenic proofing test (14.7.24)
SN3 & SN4
SN3 was the first full scale prototype complete with an engine thrust section for static fire testing with Aeolus 2.
Although Aeolus 2 was never completed in time for this, SN3 completed numerous tests that verified the overall design for SN4, which was the first prototype to conduct a flight.
SN4 managed to get to 500 meters and perform a targeted landing on a small concrete pad.
SN4 500 meter hop test (31.8.24)
Supersonic flight testing
After the successful launch of SN4, teams decided to jump immediately to supersonic flight testing with SN5.
This was the first full scale prototype to have a lifting body surface and a complete nosecone structure. The vehicle went through all the necessary testing ahead of flight, but before SN5 was cleared for launch, Gryphon had a major redesign of the aero surfaces for descent amid fears that SN5 wouldn't have the control authority to make a targeted landing.
New prototypes are currently in construction using a new design and flight testing is expected to start in November.
SN5 at sunset (8.9.24)
SN6 under construction (19.10.24)
Base Alpha
For rapid reusability and colonization, Gryphon needs a high production rate. This is where Base Alpha comes into play. It'll be responsible for Gryphon production with the aim of making 100 ships per year and storing 35 ships. Base Alpha is an ambitious project with a 400 meter long factory and 6 launch pads in construction it'll be the busiest spaceport ever made.
Vehicle stacking bay construction complete (24.9.24)
Other news
Dear Luna
SpoopX has given Fusion Space $200,000,000 to assist with funding and for an all civilian mission around Luna onboard Gryphon. This mission will launch in Q4 2025 and will last for around 2 weeks, carrying 10 crew members to a low Luna orbit before returning to Droo.
This marks a new era in drood exploration as it'll be the furthest that droods have ever gone. The SpoopX crew have numerous experiments planned and will also experiment with Junolink for constant communication and live video feed.
We can't wait to share more about this exciting mission in the next few months!
Closing remarks
Fusion Space has had a huge 2024, and we'd like to thank everyone who has stayed with us for all the fun. Our journey wouldn't be possible without all of you, and we really appreciate it.
As of this update, we have launched 9 times this year, putting numerous payloads into space with one going to Luna and another to Cylero! For 2025 we hope to achieve 50 launches, including an exciting test campaign from Gryphon as it moves towards orbital launches!
We hope this update has got you excited about what is yet to come, and we'd like to apologise for the lack of updates over the past 3 months as we prepared to Fusion Two ready for its grand return.
See you for our next update in ~6 months
godspeed fusion space!