Payload FAQ’s

Is the payload bay pressurized?

The standard payload module is sealed with double O-rings and stays near ambient pressure during flight (no lower than about 70 kPa / 10 psia). If your experiment needs exposure to near-vacuum, we can open the bay to atmosphere as a non-standard option. Individual payloads can also bring their own sealed container if they need a controlled environment.

What temperatures will my payload see?

The payload module is not temperature-controlled, but unless your payload generates significant heat, it should stay below 60 °C. Many payloads, including biological samples, have flown in their own insulated or sealed containers (for example with dry ice). If your payload has a narrow temperature range, tell us in the questionnaire and we'll talk through options with you.

How long is the microgravity period?

About two and a half minutes (roughly 150 seconds), during the coast after engine cutoff. The actual time depends on total payload mass.

How long is the whole flight?

From liftoff to touchdown under parachute takes roughly 20 minutes. With time on the pad before launch, your payload may be powered for well over 2 hours, so we recommend sizing batteries and data storage for at least 2 hours plus a 1-hour margin in case of a hold.

Can you turn my experiment on during flight?

Yes. You tell us when you want it activated (for example at liftoff, at the start of microgravity, or at apogee) and we provide a trigger signal from the vehicle's flight computer at that event. We build it into our procedures and test it well before launch. Trigger signals are an add-on service.

Can I get live data (telemetry) during the flight?

Possibly. Send us your data rate and communication protocol, and we'll tell you whether your data can ride on our existing telemetry link or needs a separate system. Low-rate 'heartbeat' style data is the most practical. Many teams simply log data onboard and download it after recovery.

Can I mount my own antenna on the outside of the rocket?

Yes, as a non-standard integration. You provide the antenna; we integrate it and make sure it doesn't interfere with the vehicle's own systems (frequency selection matters). See our pricing calculator for current add-on rates.

How is my payload mounted?

Payloads mount to a plate on a bulkhead in the payload section. For CubeSat-style payloads, staying 1U tall and spreading out sideways (for example a 1x4 strip) is easiest to integrate; taller layouts are possible but more complex. Design a retention method that's easy to remove, such as a bracket held by a single bolt or wing nut, so we can return your hardware quickly.

Can my payload be ejected (deployed) during flight?

It's possible, but it adds significant work and cost. You design and build the deployment device and your own recovery system (typically adding about 1U), and the ejected payload needs its own FAA re-entry approval, which takes several months and adds licensing cost. Most teams start with a payload that stays in the rocket and comes back with it. A good first step is flight-testing your ejection and recovery on a high-power hobby rocket.

Do I need to be at the launch?

If your payload is active (powered), someone from your team needs to be present for the Combined Systems Test, where all payloads run together on the vehicle as if in flight. We aim to do that about 60 days before launch. Inert payloads don't need anyone on site.

What batteries are acceptable?

We don't currently restrict battery chemistry beyond our standard safety review. We do recommend testing your power system in a vacuum (bell jar) to confirm it survives vacuum exposure. Common lithium-ion packs have generally done fine in flight.

Can team members who are not U.S. persons take part?

Usually yes. Under our export-control procedures, non-U.S. persons can integrate and work on their own payload, but may need to step away during certain vehicle operations. Tell us early so we can plan for it.

When are the flights, and what does a launch week look like?

BLK3's first flights are targeted for early 2027 from Spaceport America. A typical campaign: arrive and set up, run dry runs, launch, turn the vehicle around in a few days, and fly again. Weather delays there are uncommon. Specific dates are set closer to the campaign.

How do I start, and how does payment work?

Fill out the payload questionnaire at exosaero.com/payload-questionnaire. We review your payload for fit and safety, then send a quote and a Launch Services Agreement. Standard payment milestones are 50% at signing to reserve your place, 40% at 120 days before launch, and 10% when we deliver your post-flight data. All invoices are sent online. If your payload needs extra engineering or manufacturing from Exos, we'll build those steps into the milestone schedule in your agreement.