About
Latitude is a European space launch provider redefining access to orbit for small satellite operators. Founded in 2019 and headquartered in Reims, France, the company has raised over €50M and assembled a team of 160 professionals united by a mission to make space more accessible. At the core of its offering is the Zephyr launcher—designed, built, and tested entirely in France—engineered for agility, reliability, and cost-efficiency. Zephyr supports payloads up to 200 kg in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and covers orbital inclinations ranging from 5.3° to 105°, giving customers broad flexibility for mission profiles. With an ambitious target of one launch per week and operations from multiple spaceports including Kourou in French Guyana, Latitude aims to deliver unmatched launch frequency in the dedicated SmallSat segment. The company's vision extends beyond launch logistics: it seeks to catalyze a space-driven era that enhances life on Earth and pioneers a path toward a sustainable civilization harnessing space resources. Latitude is a key player in the next chapter of European space access, combining agility, precision, and engineering excellence to serve satellite manufacturers, operators, research institutions, and commercial enterprises seeking reliable, flexible orbital deployment.
Key Features
- High-Frequency Launch Schedule: Targeting one launch per week, offering SmallSat operators rapid and flexible access to orbit without long waiting periods.
- Flexible Orbital Coverage: Supports inclinations from 5.3° to 105° in LEO, accommodating a wide range of mission profiles and customer needs.
- Competitive Payload Capacity: Zephyr can carry payloads up to 200 kg, making it suitable for a broad range of small satellite missions.
- Multiple Spaceports: Operations from multiple spaceports including Kourou in French Guyana, providing geographic flexibility and launch redundancy.
- Made in France: Entirely designed, built, and tested in France, ensuring European sovereignty and engineering excellence in launch capabilities.
Use Cases
- Deploying Earth observation SmallSats to precise LEO orbits without sharing a rideshare manifest.
- Launching IoT constellation satellites on a rapid, predictable schedule to meet commercial rollout timelines.
- Enabling research institutions and universities to launch experimental payloads affordably and frequently.
- Supporting defense and governmental agencies requiring dedicated and sovereign European launch capabilities.
- Providing satellite startups with low-cost, flexible orbital access to validate technology in space.
Pros
- Most Affordable Dedicated Launch on the Market: Latitude positions Zephyr as the most cost-competitive dedicated SmallSat launcher, lowering the barrier to orbit for startups and research institutions.
- High Launch Cadence: A target of one launch per week dramatically reduces scheduling delays compared to rideshare and legacy launch providers.
- European Independence: A fully European launcher reduces geopolitical risk and supports EU space sovereignty for commercial and institutional customers.
Cons
- First Launch Not Until 2027: The service is still in development with the first launch targeted for 2027, meaning customers cannot yet rely on an operational track record.
- Limited to SmallSat Payloads: With a maximum payload of 200 kg, Latitude is not suitable for medium or large satellite missions.
- Early-Stage Company: As a young company founded in 2019, Latitude has yet to demonstrate launch success and operational maturity at scale.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Latitude's Zephyr rocket?
Zephyr is Latitude's dedicated small satellite launcher, designed and built in France. It can carry payloads up to 200 kg to Low Earth Orbit across a wide range of inclinations.
When is Latitude's first launch?
Latitude has targeted 2027 for its first commercial launch.
What spaceports does Latitude operate from?
Latitude operates from multiple spaceports, including Kourou in French Guyana, providing flexibility for different orbital requirements.
How often does Latitude plan to launch?
Latitude aims to achieve a launch cadence of up to one launch per week, which would make it one of the highest-frequency dedicated SmallSat launch providers globally.
Who is Latitude's target customer?
Latitude targets small satellite operators, aerospace startups, research institutions, and commercial enterprises that need affordable, flexible, and frequent dedicated orbital access.
