Although until recently the idea of seeing a rocket with the name of baguette crossing space It might sound like a joke, but the truth is that France has just entered the space race with a proposal that is as innovative as it is peculiar: the Orbital Baguette One.
This unique project, promoted by the Bordeaux-based company HyPrSpace, has captured the attention of both the French media and the European aerospace sector. All thanks to its Technological bet, original name and a strategy designed to revolutionize the sending of small satellites to low Earth orbit.
A name that breaks the mold in the space sector
Far from names inspired by ancient gods or mythical creatures, HyPrSpace has opted for a relatable and somewhat casual concept: Orbital Baguette One, or “OB-1,” which also resembles the legendary Jedi Obi-Wan Kenobi from the Star Wars saga. The company's head, Sylvain Bataillard, explained that they were looking for something serious but not threatening, a formula that has resonated with public opinion and has served to draw attention to the project.
Micro-launchers designed for the new satellite era
So much the Orbital Baguette One like its predecessor, the Baguette One, are micro-launchers designed to transport lightweight satellites weighing up to 300 kg. This segment of the space market is booming, as tens of thousands of satellites are expected to be launched over the next decade, requiring more flexible transport solutions. agile, economical and sustainable.
Sylvain Bataillard himself has compared these launchers to a space "taxi" service, as opposed to large rockets that act as "buses." Currently, sending one kilogram of cargo on a micro-launcher costs around 40.000 or 50.000 dollars, while HyPrSpace aims to set its price around 20.000 euros per kilo, achieving a considerable reduction in costs.
Eco-innovation: hybrid engines and recycled materials
One of the strengths of Orbital Baguette One lies in its hybrid engine, which combines solid and liquid propellants, including recycled plastics. This technology helps reduce the environmental impact of the launch and the costs of materials used.
Furthermore, neither Baguette One nor Orbital Baguette One have turbopumps, components common in other rockets that entail a significant additional cost. HyPrSpace simplifies the design, makes the process cheaper and more sustainable. for the environment.
Institutional support and relevance for French industry
The commitment is not only business-related: the French government, through the “France 2030” plan, has contributed 35 million euros in subsidies to promote the development of HyPrSpace and its rockets. Even President Emmanuel Macron himself has expressed his support for the project.
The launch of Baguette One from military bases located in Biscarrosse, Saint-Médard-en-Jalles or Île du Levant will mark a milestone, as it will be the first rocket launched from mainland France. In addition, the hybrid technology used has raised interest in defense sectors for its potential to put strategic satellites into orbit.
Current panorama and future challenges in low orbit
According to consulting firms such as Novaspace, the deployment of more than 100,000 new projects is expected in the coming years. 26.000 satellitesGiants like SpaceX currently hold the majority of these devices in orbit, but growing demand creates opportunities for innovative projects and European alternatives like OB-1.
The increase in the number of launches poses challenges such as accumulation of metals and waste in the atmosphereSome experts warn of the risk of space congestion and pollution, so it is vital to balance technological advances with environmental protection.
HyPrSpace is confident that this stage of accelerated growth is reminiscent of the story of “Internet in the 90s”, characterized by opportunities and discoveries to be explored at the frontier of space.
This project reflects the French industry's ability to innovate, drive sustainability and modernize The aerospace sector. The introduction of Orbital Baguette One positions Europe as an original and competitive player in the future of space exploration and the management of small and medium-sized satellites in Earth orbit.
