SEOPS launches Waymaker rideshare program with first Falcon 9 mission set for 2028

By AI, Created 3:25 PM UTC, May 24, 2026, /AGP/ – SEOPS announced its Waymaker dedicated rideshare program for low Earth orbit at SmallSat Europe in Amsterdam, pairing it with a signed SpaceX Falcon 9 launch for the inaugural mission in 2028. The program is meant to give government and commercial customers firmer launch windows, standardized payload options and managed mission support as demand for rideshare capacity grows.

Why it matters: - SEOPS is trying to make launch access more predictable for customers that need dedicated rideshare capacity, especially for time-sensitive or non-standard payloads. - The program could reduce scheduling and financing risk by offering firm launch windows and managed mission execution. - Waymaker expands SEOPS’ options in low Earth orbit while complementing the company’s existing Darkstar program for geostationary transfer orbit and deeper destinations.

What happened: - SEOPS announced the Waymaker program during the SmallSat Europe conference in Amsterdam. - The new program provides SEOPS-managed dedicated rideshare missions to low Earth orbit. - SEOPS signed a contract with SpaceX for a Falcon 9 mission to launch Waymaker-1 in 2028. - The first rideshare slots have already been secured by U.S. government and commercial customers, according to the company.

The details: - Waymaker is built around standardized capacity portions, defined interfaces and a managed mission process. - The program’s capacity options include Cake Topper, Quarter, Half, Full and XL Ports. - SEOPS says the structure is meant to support both familiar rideshare users and payloads that fall outside normal rideshare limits. - Maverick Space Systems is providing a custom ESPA-ring-style stack for varied payload configurations. - Digantara will provide in-orbit safety-of-flight services for two months, including satellite identification, custody and collision avoidance. - SEOPS said the managed model is designed to deliver consistent and cost-effective access to orbit. - Darkstar, SEOPS’ GTO rideshare program announced in 2024, is designed for custom orbits, higher inclinations and cislunar space. - Darkstar-1 is targeted to launch in 2028 on a Falcon 9 rocket. - The company’s Waymaker information page is available at More information.

Between the lines: - SEOPS is positioning itself less as a broker and more as a launch access manager with control over capacity, integration and mission execution. - That approach reflects a broader market shift toward packaged, pre-planned space transport rather than ad hoc manifesting. - The company is also signaling that demand for rideshare capacity is growing faster than the market’s ability to serve specialized payload needs. - By pairing Waymaker with Darkstar, SEOPS is building a tiered launch-access product line across multiple orbital destinations.

What’s next: - SEOPS plans to sell capacity on upcoming Waymaker missions as the 2028 launch approaches. - The company is also working toward Darkstar-1, which is targeted for launch in 2028. - Customers looking to reserve a slot can use the Waymaker reservation page linked above. - SEOPS said it will continue working with SpaceX and mission partners to bring the program to market.