What satellites are typically launched to Geostationary Transfer Orbit?

Earth observation, remote sensing, and communications smallsats are commonly launched to Geostationary Transfer Orbit. CubeSats and SmallSats below 500kg are the most frequent payload types on rideshare missions to this orbit.

How do I find a rideshare slot to Geostationary Transfer Orbit?

Browse the launch windows listed on this page. Filter by rocket, provider, and schedule to find a rideshare mission matching your mission requirements. Each window shows available service offers with pricing.

What is the average cost to launch a 3U CubeSat to Geostationary Transfer Orbit?

CubeSat rideshare prices to Geostationary Transfer Orbit typically range from $5,000 to $12,000 for a 3U, depending on the provider and rocket. Compare current offers on KOSMOLAB SPACE for the latest pricing.

Orbit · GTO

Geostationary Transfer Orbit Launch Services

Browse 57 launch windows targeting Geostationary Transfer orbit. Compare rideshare slots, providers, and book your CubeSat deployment.

57 Launch windows

10 Rocket types

6 Providers

200 × 35,786 km Altitude / inclination

Geostationary Transfer Orbit (GTO) is an elliptical orbit used as the intermediate step to reach geostationary orbit (GEO) at 35,786 km altitude. GTO launches are dominated by heavy-lift vehicles including SpaceX Falcon 9/Heavy, Arianespace Ariane 5/6, and ULA Atlas V, which deploy communications satellites and hosted payload missions requiring the stable 24-hour orbital period of GEO.

GTO rideshare opportunities are more selective than LEO rideshare, typically targeting hosted payload agreements where a secondary payload rides alongside a primary GEO comsat. Payloads in GTO must withstand high radiation environments in the Van Allen belts during the transfer phase, requiring radiation-hardened or tolerant electronics.

For organizations planning GEO communications or space domain awareness missions, GTO hosted payload programs provide a cost-effective alternative to dedicated GTO launches. KOSMOLAB SPACE lists current GTO hosted payload opportunities, ride-share agreements, and provider contacts, allowing mission planners to evaluate options across multiple operators on a single platform.