Two-stage small-satellite launch vehicle powered by Vaya Space's vortex-hybrid STAR-3D engines.
Dauntless
Two-stage small-satellite launch vehicle powered by Vaya Space's vortex-hybrid STAR-3D engines.
Description
Dauntless is Vaya Space's orbital small-satellite launch vehicle, designed around the company's proprietary vortex-hybrid rocket propulsion. The two-stage rocket uses STAR-3D hybrid engines in both stages, combining a liquid oxygen (LOX) oxidizer with a solid fuel grain that is 3D-printed from recycled thermoplastics. This hybrid architecture is inherently throttleable and restartable, allowing Dauntless to fly custom-tailored ascent profiles and perform precise, direct injection of payloads into their target operational orbits. Compared to conventional liquid or solid launch vehicles, Dauntless uses significantly fewer moving parts and simpler engine hardware, which Vaya Space says lowers production cost and improves payload mass fraction. The vehicle is being developed and tested at Vaya's Cocoa, Florida campus, which includes a dedicated engine test stand used for STAR-3D hot-fire testing, and is planned to fly from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station (Launch Complex 13). Vaya Space has also partnered with Seagate Space to develop an offshore, Gulf-based floating launch platform for Dauntless to provide additional flexible, mission-optimized launch azimuths for commercial and defense customers.
Specifications
| Height | 35 m (~115 ft) |
|---|---|
| Stage 1 diameter | 2.5 m (~8 ft) |
| Stage 2 diameter | 2.15 m (~7 ft) |
| Fairing diameter | 2.15 m (~7 ft) |
| Stages | 2 |
| Payload to LEO | ~1,000 kg (2,200 lb) |
| Payload to SSO | ~610 kg (1,340 lb) |
| Propulsion | STAR-3D vortex-hybrid engines (both stages) |
| Propellant | LOX oxidizer / 3D-printed recycled-thermoplastic solid fuel |
| Launch site | Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Launch Complex 13 (planned); offshore Gulf platform in development with Seagate Space |
| Status | In development |