CORE CATEGORY
Hosted Payloads
Fly your instrument on a host spacecraft. Procurement works when the payload interface, operations boundaries, and delivered-data outcomes are defined up front.
Buy orbit + operations
Skip the full spacecraft program and procure a defined payload slot.
Interface is the contract
Mass/power/data/thermal requirements drive feasibility and cost.
Comparable quotes
Standardize assumptions so vendors price the same outcomes.
Answer a few specs and get a quote-grade procurement brief you can send to vendors. You will even be able to save it as a PDF to share with others.
Tech demo / EO / RF / SSA / other
LEO SSO / mid-inclination / MEO / GEO
Mass + power + thermal
Protocol + rate + latency needs
Provider / shared / customer
This quarter / 6–12 months / exploring
What is a hosted payload?
A hosted payload is an instrument or subsystem integrated onto a host spacecraft (the bus). You procure defined resources (mass/power/thermal), interfaces (mechanical + data + software), operational boundaries (who commands what), and a downlink/delivery path. Modern commercial offerings increasingly bundle integration, ops, and delivery into “Payload as a Service” packaging.
Payload slot (resources)
Interface definition
Integration + qualification
Launch access
Ops boundaries
Downlink + delivery
HOW IT WORKS
Hosted payload sourcing, step-by-step.
Treat the quote request like a mini statement of work. That’s how you filter tire-kickers and get procurement-grade offers.
1
Define the interface
Mass/power/thermal + data protocol + duty cycle and constraints.
2
Choose control model
Provider-operated vs shared ops vs customer-in-the-loop command.
3
Specify AIT scope
Test plan, environmental requirements, acceptance criteria, artifacts.
4
Schedule assumptions
Integration slot, launch access, slip handling, cadence expectations.
5
Delivery outcomes
Latency, destination, retention, security model, availability semantics.
Vendor types for hosted payloads.
Different providers optimize for speed-to-orbit, control/isolation, compliance, or data delivery integration.
Satellite operators offering payload hosting
Best for
Flying on existing platforms with defined resources
Typical pricing
Program fee + usage tiers
What you'll need to provide
Interface definition + orbit/coverage + delivery needs
Payload hub / multi-payload platforms
Best for
Standard interfaces + repeatable cadence + portal/API workflows
Typical pricing
Subscription/usage + committed packages
What you'll need to provide
Compatibility + duty cycle + data volume
Dedicated hosted payload missions (single tenant)
Best for
Isolation, sensitive payloads, strict control boundaries
Typical pricing
Higher fixed cost + managed ops options
What you'll need to provide
Traceable requirements + compliance posture
Integration-led primes/brokers
Best for
Complex payloads requiring heavy AIT coordination
Typical pricing
Project fees + pass-through vendor costs
What you'll need to provide
Clear SOW boundaries and acceptance artifacts
THE CHECKLIST
Hosted payload procurement checklist.
Use this to force comparable offers and avoid scope surprises during integration and ops.
Resources
• Mass + CG constraints
• Power (avg/peak) + duty cycle
• Thermal dissipation + temperature limits
Interface
• Mechanical mounting + connectors
• Data protocol (Ethernet/SpaceWire/custom)
• Software/control boundaries
Operations
• Who commands what
• Tasking/scheduling workflow
• Anomaly response + on-call model
Schedule
• Integration slot availability
• Launch access assumptions
• Slip handling + cadence expectations
Delivery
• Downlink path + latency
• Direct-to-cloud endpoints
• Retention + audit logging + security
Commercials
• Program fee vs usage split
• Reserved/committed packages
• SLA tiers + credits/penalties
Hosted payload use cases.
Instrument validation flight
Rapid on-orbit proof of performance before scaling.
Data product pilot
Deliver data into a pipeline quickly to test demand and value.
Tech demo for customers
Demonstrate capability in the relevant environment.
Augment a constellation
Add a specialized instrument without redesigning the whole bus.
How hosted payloads are priced.
Program fee + usage
Integration/program fee up front
Ops/downlink/delivery charged by tier or volume
MOST POPULAR
Committed package
Reserve resources/capacity
Lower unit costs + priority handling
Subscription tiers
Defined capabilities per tier
Predictable spend for recurring ops
Dedicated mission
Higher fixed costs
Greater isolation + control
To compare pricing fairly, normalize quotes against interface complexity, ops tier, delivery SLA, and schedule urgency—not just “slot cost.”
Hosted Payload FAQs
What do I need for a hosted payload quote?
Provide: payload type, orbit target, mass/power/thermal, data interface + rate, ops model, timeline, and delivery/security requirements.
Is hosted payload the same as rideshare?
No. Rideshare is a launch arrangement. Hosted payload is integration onto a host spacecraft with defined interfaces, ops boundaries, and delivery outcomes.
What makes quotes not comparable?
Different assumptions about AIT scope, ops tier (24/7 vs standard), delivery SLA, and schedule posture. Standardize these in your brief.
Can I command my payload directly?
Often yes under a defined authority boundary and secure controls. Specify command model, encryption, and approvals in procurement.
What’s the biggest integration risk?
Undefined interfaces and unclear acceptance criteria. Treat interface + test plan as first-class procurement requirements.
When is hosted payload a bad fit?
If you require highly custom interfaces, unique orbits/cadence, or extreme control beyond available hosts, a dedicated mission may be better.
How does Full Orbit help?
We translate your requirements into a mini-SOW and return 2–3 quote-grade options from the right vendor archetypes.
How should I write the mini-SOW?
Include interface, ops model, schedule assumptions, delivery outcomes, compliance posture, and budget band so vendors price the same thing.