SEOPS Expands Waymaker Rideshare Lineup with Mid-Inclination Mission
SEOPS announced a second Waymaker rideshare flight, Waymaker-1, targeting a mid-inclination orbit in early 2028, complementing the already-planned Waymaker-2 to sun-synchronous orbit later that year. The move responds to growing demand and uncertainty around SpaceX’s upcoming rideshare schedule.
SEOPS, a launch-services specialist, has unveiled a new dedicated rideshare flight to meet rising customer demand. The company, which earlier this year secured a Falcon 9 launch for a sun-synchronous mission (Waymaker-2), now adds a second flight - Waymaker-1 - aimed at a mid-inclination orbit. The new mission is slated for early 2028, while Waymaker-2 remains scheduled for late 2028.
Vehicle and Mission Details
Both Waymaker missions will ride on SpaceX’s Falcon 9, but the vehicles originate from different original orders. Waymaker-1 uses a Falcon 9 that SEOPS initially bought in November 2024 for a geostationary transfer orbit (GTO) rideshare called Darkstar-1. That GTO launch was intended for late 2028, but SEOPS is repurposing the rocket to serve the mid-inclination market now.
The company’s president, Evan Hoyt, explained that the shift reflects a broader industry transition. Delays in GTO programs and concerns that SpaceX may cease taking new rideshare reservations after late 2028 or early 2029 have left satellite operators seeking alternative launch options. SEOPS’s strategy is to fill that gap with dedicated rideshare slots on Falcon 9.
Market Context and Demand
The demand for low-Earth-orbit (LEO) capacity continues to climb, according to Hoyt. He noted that customers are increasingly willing to book launches years ahead, even if the exact payloads are not yet defined. "We’re saying you have to get ahead of your sales curve a little bit," he said, acknowledging the risk but emphasizing market momentum.
Other launch providers are also adapting. German firm Exolaunch, which has secured numerous spots on SpaceX rideshare flights, announced in May that it purchased two Falcon 9 launches for its own dedicated rideshare missions in late 2027 and 2028. This illustrates a broader trend of operators securing guaranteed launch windows amid uncertainty about SpaceX’s future rideshare availability.
Future Outlook and Expansion Plans
Hoyt indicated that SEOPS envisions a regular cadence of Waymaker missions, eventually extending beyond the Falcon 9 platform. The company is in discussions with several unnamed launch providers to broaden its portfolio, offering customers a choice of vehicle, launch date, and destination.
| Mission | Target Orbit | Scheduled Launch |
|---|---|---|
| Waymaker-1 | Mid-inclination | Early 2028 |
| Waymaker-2 | Sun-synchronous | Late 2028 |
| Darkstar-1 (original GTO order) | Geostationary Transfer Orbit | Late 2028 |
| Exolaunch purchase 1 | - | Late 2027 |
| Exolaunch purchase 2 | - | Late 2028 |
The table captures the comparable launch timelines and orbital targets mentioned in the source. SEOPS’s approach aims to provide continuity for satellite operators who have relied on SpaceX’s rideshare services, ensuring a steady flow of launch capacity as the market evolves.
Overall, SEOPS’s addition of Waymaker-1 underscores a proactive response to shifting dynamics in the rideshare sector, positioning the company to capture a larger share of the growing LEO demand while navigating the uncertainties surrounding SpaceX’s future offerings.
Source: SpaceNews