Practical guides for CubeSat and SmallSat mission planners. Compare launch options, understand costs, and navigate the rideshare booking process.
Launch How-To Guides
- How to Launch a CubeSat: Complete Step-by-Step Guide (2026) — From mission definition to on-orbit deployment. Covers requirements, provider selection, timeline, and regulatory steps.
- How to Book a CubeSat Rideshare Launch — Step-by-step walkthrough of the rideshare booking process: finding a manifest, reviewing service offers, signing an LSA, and integrating your payload.
- Small Satellite Launch Guide 2026: Options, Costs, and How to Get Started — Covers all SmallSat mass classes from CubeSat to minisatellite, launch vehicle options, orbit selection, and regulatory requirements.
- Rideshare vs Dedicated Launch: Which Is Right for Your Satellite? — Cost, orbit flexibility, lead time, and decision criteria for choosing between rideshare and dedicated launch.
Cost and Pricing Guides
- CubeSat Launch Cost: 2026 Pricing Guide — Current market pricing for 1U through 16U rideshare launches. Includes orbit-by-orbit cost comparison and provider benchmarks.
- Rideshare Launch Cost Guide 2026: What You’ll Really Pay — Full cost breakdown across all payload classes: base price, integration, insurance, range fees, and ground station access.
Provider and Market Comparison
- Rideshare Launch Provider Comparison 2026 — Side-by-side comparison of major rideshare operators: SpaceX Transporter, D-Orbit, Exolaunch, ISRO PSLV, and others.
- Space Launch Vehicle Types: Guide for SmallSat Mission Planners (2026) — Overview of small, medium, and heavy launch vehicles with rideshare availability and mission selection criteria.
- Commercial Launch Vehicle Comparison 2026: Falcon 9 vs Electron vs PSLV vs Vega-C — Specs, cost per kilogram, orbit access, and cadence compared across the major rideshare vehicles.
- Launch Vehicle Selection Guide 2026: 7 Steps to Choose the Right Rocket — Step-by-step decision framework: orbit, mass, timeline, export control, cost, risk, and final selection matrix.
Launch Manifest and Mission Planning
- Upcoming Rideshare Missions 2026: Launch Manifest Guide — Current SpaceX Transporter, Electron, and PSLV rideshare missions accepting payloads. Booking timelines and how to get a slot.
Explore by Mission Type
Browse upcoming launch windows filtered by orbit and form factor, or compare verified launch service providers on KOSMOLAB SPACE.
Frequently asked questions
Everything about finding a launch, the marketplace and requesting a quote — in one place.
Launching a satellite
What is a launch window on KOSMOLAB SPACE?
A launch window is an upcoming or scheduled rocket mission that satellite operators can target for their payload. Each window shows the launch provider, vehicle, launch site, target orbit and date, so you can find a flight that matches your spacecraft.
How do I find a launch for my satellite?
Browse the launch windows and filter by provider, rocket or orbit to match your payload’s mass, form factor and target orbit. Open a window for full mission details, then request a quote to start a booking conversation with the provider.
How much does it cost to launch a satellite?
Launch pricing depends on payload mass, target orbit and whether you fly rideshare or dedicated, so it is quoted per mission rather than fixed. Rideshare missions are typically the most affordable route for small satellites and CubeSats. Send a request to a provider for a tailored quote.
What is the difference between rideshare and a dedicated launch?
A rideshare mission carries many satellites from different customers on a single rocket, sharing the cost and following a fixed orbit and schedule. A dedicated launch flies your payload alone, giving full control over orbit and timing at a higher price. KOSMOLAB SPACE lists both.
How do I book a launch slot?
Open a launch window and use “Request quote” to send your mission requirements to the provider. The provider responds with availability and pricing, and you finalize the booking directly with them. KOSMOLAB SPACE is an aggregator that connects you with the launch companies.
Marketplace & how it works
What is the KOSMOLAB SPACE marketplace?
KOSMOLAB SPACE is an independent global marketplace for the space industry. Under one storefront it offers flight-proven satellite platforms, components and ground equipment from manufacturers worldwide, plus launch services — bookable slots on upcoming launches. Spacecraft builders can compare options and request quotes in one place. KOSMOLAB SPACE is an information and aggregation platform — it does not manufacture the hardware or operate the launches itself.
Can I buy a launch slot here, not just hardware?
Yes. Use the “Launch Services” tab in the marketplace to browse launch services published by providers — rideshare slots, integration, transportation, insurance and mission support. Each listing shows the company, target orbit, payload mass and price on request; use “Request quote” to send your mission details. To browse every upcoming mission by date, see the Launches page.
How much does it cost?
Most space hardware and launch slots are priced per mission and per configuration, so listings show price on request rather than a fixed figure. Use the request button on any listing to send your requirements directly to the company and receive a tailored price.
How do I request a quote (RFQ)?
Open any product or launch slot and select the request button. Describe your mission, payload and timeline, and the manufacturer or launch provider responds with a quote. There is no charge to send a request.
Can I list my own products or launch services on KOSMOLAB SPACE?
Yes. Space hardware manufacturers and launch providers can register as a provider, publish their catalog or launch offerings and receive qualified requests from satellite operators. Listing is free during the launch phase.