ISM-002 Mission Timeline

Prospective clients discuss their proposed payload, mission objectives, experiment requirements, and suitability for ISM-002 with ImplementSpace.

Each payload is assessed against technical requirements, safety considerations, available mission resources, and overall mission compatibility.

Payloads are prioritised by technical suitability. Where suitable opportunities are available, allocation proceeds on a first-come basis.

Early discussions may cover payload purpose, active or passive operation, power and data needs, imaging or downlink requirements, temperature-controlled storage, recovery needs, and any additional engineering support required.

Once a payload is assessed as suitable, ImplementSpace may assign it to ISM-002, subject to available mission capacity, technical compatibility, and commercial agreement.

This phase confirms that the payload aligns with the ISM-002 mission profile and can proceed toward reservation and design finalisation.

Payload capacity is typically allocated in 1U payload slots. Payloads may be more than 1U, and non-standard payload sizing may be considered where there is sound technical justification.

Payload reservation is completed through a Mission Reservation Agreement with ImplementSpace.

A reservation fee is paid at signing and credited toward the final mission cost. This is not an additional fee; it confirms the client’s commitment to the mission and secures progression into the next phase of payload preparation.

Payload reservations for ISM-002 are expected to close at the end of August 2026.

Client payload designs are expected to be finalised by the end of September 2026.

By this stage, clients must provide the required technical documentation for their payload. This may include, where applicable, a payload description, interface documentation, hazard assessment, biological sample details, experiment protocol, Standard Operating Procedure, and relevant safety or compliance information.

For independently developed payloads, ImplementSpace will provide the applicable mission interface requirements. Where additional support is required, ImplementSpace may assist with engineering design, payload development, documentation, or mission preparation.

Full documentation is required as part of the design finalisation stage.

Client payloads are expected to be delivered to ImplementSpace by the end of October 2026.

At this stage, each payload should reflect the finalised design and be ready for review, integration preparation, and verification activities conducted by ImplementSpace.

Clients are not required to complete independent testing before delivery. However, all payloads must pass the relevant safety reviews, verification activities, and testing processes conducted by ImplementSpace.

ImplementSpace will conduct safety, compliance, and mission-readiness reviews for payloads assigned to ISM-002.

Requirements will depend on the payload type, materials, biological samples, operational needs, containment requirements, and mission interfaces.

Biological, life-science, and other specialist payloads will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. ImplementSpace will work with clients to identify the documentation and compliance requirements relevant to their payload.

ImplementSpace conducts verification and testing to confirm that each payload and the integrated mission system are suitable for launch preparation and mission operations.

Activities may include fit checks, functional checks, safety verification, containment review, interface verification, and other mission-specific testing as required.

Payloads must satisfy ImplementSpace’s applicable verification and safety requirements before progressing toward launch preparation.

Following verification and testing, approved client payloads are integrated into the ISM-002 4U mission system.

The mission system is designed to accommodate multiple payloads within a shared spacecraft-scale payload structure. Standard capacity is based around 1U allocations, with each 1U slot having an indicative maximum mass allowance of 1.33 kg.

Power, data, imaging, environmental monitoring, downlink, containment, and temperature-control requirements are assessed and confirmed with clients during mission preparation.

ISM-002 is expected to enter final launch preparation during Q1 2027.

This phase includes mission readiness activities, documentation close-out, operational preparation, logistics coordination, and final pre-launch checks.

Launch is expected toward the later part of Q2 2027. All dates remain indicative and subject to change.