What GK Launch Services does

GK Launch Services (legal entity: AO Glavkosmos Launch Services / АО «Главкосмос Пусковые Услуги») is a Russian commercial launch services operator established in April 2017 as a joint venture between Glavkosmos (75% — a subsidiary of the Russian State Space Corporation Roscosmos) and International Space Company Kosmotras (25%). The company is the Roscosmos-designated operator for commercial Soyuz-2 launches from Russian spaceports, including Baikonur (Kazakhstan), Vostochny, Plesetsk, and historically Kourou in French Guiana.

The core technical offering is the Soyuz-2 launch vehicle (in 2.1a and 2.1b variants) paired with the Fregat upper stage manufactured by NPO Lavochkin. The Fregat upper stage is the company's primary technical differentiator: it can deliver payloads to up to three distinct orbits within a single mission, perform up to seven engine restarts, and remain active on orbit for up to two days, enabling both primary payload missions and high-density rideshare deployments (e.g., the March 2021 mission carrying 38 spacecraft from 18 countries). Supporting services include mission-specific dispenser design (developed with NPO Lavochkin), spacecraft integration, and fueling operations via TSENKI. Payload separation systems are supplied under a long-term agreement with RUAG Space.

The business model is transaction-fee based: GK Launch Services charges per kilogram of payload, with publicly disclosed pricing under $30,000/kg for smallsat/cubesat customers. Go-to-market combines direct B2B sales to satellite operators and government agencies, an online pricing calculator (calc.gklaunch.ru) for self-serve quotes, active participation in industry conferences (SmallSat Symposium, IAC, Paris Air Show), and channel partnerships with cubesat integrators such as Innovative Space Logistics (ISL) and ISISpace. Customer segments span commercial constellation operators (Planet, Kepler, Axelspace), government agencies (KARI, MBRSC), space-sustainability startups (Astroscale), and academic institutions, with a publicly stated goal of capturing over 50% of the light-class spacecraft launch market.

Name

GK Launch Services

Legal name

AO Glavkosmos Launch Services (АО «Главкосмос Пусковые Услуги»)

Website

https://gklaunch.ru

Company type

Private

Founded year

2017

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

GK Launch Services is the Roscosmos-designated commercial operator of Soyuz-2 launch missions from Russian spaceports, offering rideshare and dedicated launches to satellite operators, governments, and academic institutions worldwide via the multi-orbit Fregat upper stage.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Space Launch Services

NAICS

Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing (336414)

SIC

Guided Missiles & Space Vehicles & Parts (3760)

akta.pro primary industry

Launch Vehicles & Orbital Rockets (IMABACAA)

Keywords

• Commercial launch services
• Satellite launch services
• Rideshare launch services
• Space launch operator
• Cubesat launch services

Headquarters

HQ city

Moscow

HQ country

Russia

HQ region

Europe

Offices5 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Technology or R&D, Operations, Infrastructure, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Commercial Soyuz-2 launch services: GK Launch Services generates revenue by providing commercial launch services for satellites using Soyuz-2 launch vehicles from Russian spaceports. This includes primary payload launches and rideshare/piggyback opportunities for smaller satellites.
2. Rideshare/piggyback payload launches: The company accommodates piggyback payloads on each Soyuz launch, allowing multiple customers to share a single launch mission, generating additional revenue per launch.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

GK Launch Services is the authorized commercial operator of Soyuz-2 launch vehicle missions from Russian spaceports (Baikonur, Vostochny, Plesetsk, and Kourou). The company offers dedicated launches and rideshare/piggyback launch services using the Soyuz-2.1a/2.1b rocket equipped with the Fregat upper stage, which can deploy payloads to up to three different orbits in a single mission.

Product overview

GK Launch Services is a launch services operator that provides commercial Soyuz-2 rocket launches from Russian spaceports. The company's core product is the Soyuz-2 launch vehicle (available in 2.1a and 2.1b versions) equipped with the Fregat upper stage, which together form the primary launch service offering. The Fregat upper stage distinguishes the service by enabling delivery to 3 or more different orbits in a single mission, supporting both primary payloads and rideshare/piggyback small satellite customers. Supporting services include mission-specific dispenser development by NPO Lavochkin, spacecraft integration, and an online pricing calculator for customers to estimate launch costs. The company operates from Baikonur, Vostochny, and Plesetsk cosmodromes.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Soyuz-2 Commercial Launch Services Organization and coordination of commercial launches of the Soyuz-2 launch vehicle (versions 2.1a and 2.1b) with Fregat upper stage from Russian spaceports. Targeted at satellite operators, government agencies, and research institutions requiring access to LEO, MEO, GTO, and sun-synchronous orbits.
• Rideshare/Piggyback Launch Services Accommodation of piggyback payloads on each Soyuz launch, allowing multiple small satellite customers to share a single launch mission and reduce individual launch costs. Each Soyuz launch includes capacity for piggyback payloads.
• Launch Pricing Calculator Online self-service tool (calc.gklaunch.ru) enabling small spacecraft customers to obtain launch pricing estimates and request quotes quickly.
• Spacecraft Integration Services Full mission preparation services including spacecraft integration with the Fregat upper stage, joint electrical checkout of spacecraft with upper stage systems, and installation on dispenser systems.

Quantifiable outcome

• Launch cost under $30,000 per kg for smallsat/cubesat payloads
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers23 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

17 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major, strategic and minor.

• Glavkosmos (ROSCOSMOS subsidiary)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2017Glavkosmos, a subsidiary of ROSCOSMOS State Space Corporation, owns 75% of GK Launch Services. The partnership leverages Glavkosmos's 30 years of international contract management experience combined with GK's focus on commercial Soyuz-2 launch services.
• International Space Company KosmotrascoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2017Kosmotras owns 25% of GK Launch Services and brings 20 years of experience launching converted Dnepr rockets. CEO Alexander Serkin is former Director General of Kosmotras, providing operational expertise.
• NPO LavochkincoreTechnology or IntegrationNPO Lavochkin manufactures the Fregat upper stage used on Soyuz-2 launches. They produce over 70 Fregat units with capacity for up to 12 per year. Also developed the dispenser for the 38-satellite cluster mission.
• RUAG SpacemajorTechnology or IntegrationLong-term agreement for supply of payload adapters and separation systems for Soyuz-2 launchers. RUAG's systems have been used in about 700 separation operations with 100% success rate.
• Innovative Space Logistics (ISL)majorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorISL provides cubesat integration services using ISISpace Quadpack containers. Partnership enables joint GK-ISL launch offerings with 8 Quadpack 12U containers for rideshare missions. ISL has launched over 350 satellites.
• International Astronautical Federation (IAF)strategicGTM or Marketing PartnerJoint competition for free 1U CubeSat launch on GK's first commercial mission. Winner was Sapienza University of Rome with SIMBA project. Competition targeted university teams from developing countries.
• Center for Operation of Space Ground-Based Infrastructure (TSENKI)coreTechnology or IntegrationJoint team with GK for satellite fueling operations. Responsible for propellant and compressed gases loading for customer satellites at Russian launch sites.
• ISISpace (Innovative Solutions in Space)majorTechnology or IntegrationISISpace Quadpack containers (12U, DuoPack, ISIPOD) used for cubesat launches. Over 100 ISISpace containers launched across various vehicles. Products support 1U to 16U cubesat formats.
• RKTs ProgresscoreTechnology or IntegrationRKTs Progress manufactures Soyuz-2 launch vehicles at Samara facility. Over 1,900 rockets produced with over 15,000 employees. Produces Soyuz-2.1a and 2.1b variants.
• TELNET Group (Tunisia)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerContract for launching Tunisia's first satellite Challenge ONE on Soyuz-2.1a. Results will be used to build a 30-satellite constellation. Also signed cooperation agreement for aerospace research with Digital Research Center of Sfax.
• Open CosmosmajorTechnology or IntegrationOpen Cosmos provides end-to-end satellite missions for Lacuna Space and Sateliot as part of GK launches. Company responsible for design, manufacturing, integration and mission management.
• Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerKARI contracted GK for CAS500-1 launch - primary payload for the March 2021 mission. KARI is Korea's main space exploration organization.
• Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerKAI contracted GK for CAS500-2 launch and fueling services. KAI is a leading aircraft and helicopter manufacturer in South Korea.
• Axelspace CorporationmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAxelspace contracted for launching 4 GRUS spacecraft as part of AxelGlobe constellation. GRUS-1B, 1C, 1D, 1E satellites for Earth observation with 1.4-day revisit rate.
• Kepler CommunicationsmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerKepler contracted GK for launching 2 satellites on Soyuz-2 to sun-synchronous orbit. Part of plans for 140-satellite LEO constellation for global data services and IoT connectivity.
• AstroscalemajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAstroscale contracted for ELSA-d launch - first satellite to demonstrate space debris docking and removal technologies. Major step for on-orbit servicing and space sustainability.
• Russian Movement of School StudentsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPartnership under 'Space II' (Open Cosmos) project for launching school smallsats as part of all-Russian 'Planet Watch' program sponsored by ROSCOSMOS.

Scale indicators11 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Emerging players

• Firefly Aerospace: Firefly's Alpha and upcoming MLV target the smallsat launch market with similar rideshare economics. Competes with GK for emerging constellation and government smallsat contracts.
• Relativity Space: Relativity is developing the Terran R and Terran 1 fully reusable launchers targeting the small-to-medium launch market. Comparable in customer segment (smallsat operators) and commercial rideshare positioning to GK's offering.
• ISAR Aerospace: ISAR Aerospace is developing Spectrum, a European smallsat launcher targeting the same rideshare and dedicated smallsat market. Comparable in targeting the European and international smallsat customer base, including institutions that historically bought Soyuz launches.

Direct peers

• Rocket Lab: Rocket Lab operates the Electron smallsat launcher and is developing Neutron, directly competing with GK in dedicated and rideshare smallsat launches. Rocket Lab is the primary competitor cited in GK's own positioning versus Electron on per-kg launch pricing.
• Arianespace: Arianespace operates the Vega and Vega-C small/medium launchers from Kourou — the same spaceport used by Soyuz-2. Arianespace is both a partner (historic Soyuz-at-Kourou operator) and a direct competitor for smallsat missions.
• SpaceX (SmallSat Rideshare Program): SpaceX's Falcon 9 Transporter rideshare missions deliver dozens of smallsats to LEO and SSO at price points that have reset industry expectations. GK's multi-orbit rideshare on Soyuz-2 competes for the same smallsat customer base.
• Northrop Grumman (Pegasus / Minotaur): Northrop Grumman offers Pegasus air-launched and Minotaur ground-launched smallsat launch services, with similar customers (US government, EO constellations). Comparable in mission profile (smallsat/niche orbits) though typically serving US government rather than international rideshare customers.

Broad incumbents

• United Launch Alliance (Vulcan): ULA operates Vulcan and Atlas V from US ranges with US national security focus, but offers rideshare and smallsat configurations on its larger vehicles. Competes with GK for institutional customers and as a US alternative to foreign launch providers.

Regional players

• Antrix Corporation (ISRO commercial arm): Antrix markets the PSLV and SSLV smallsat launchers internationally, primarily serving non-US/European customers. Comparable in positioning as a state-backed commercial smallsat launch provider and a competitor for emerging-market constellation customers (e.g., the Tunisian, UAE, Saudi customers GK serves).

Others

• Glavkosmos: Glavkosmos is GK's 75% parent and a Roscosmos subsidiary that also sells piggyback payload slots on federal missions. As the upstream commercial interface for Russian state launches, it is the natural parent-channel counterpart to GK's commercial Soyuz-2 business.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/gk_launch
• Facebookfacebook.com/gklaunch

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about GK Launch Services