# Exolaunch successfully deploys satellites for ESA's Celeste mission

_Friday, June 26, 2026 at 6:15 PM EDT · science · Latest · Tier 2 — Notable_

![Exolaunch successfully deploys satellites for ESA's Celeste mission — Primary](https://www.exolaunch.com/img/heritage/missions/mission_43/LEO_PNT_Patch.png)

Exolaunch successfully deployed two satellites built by Thales Alenia Space and GMV respectively for ESA's Celeste mission. The satellites were launched aboard Rocket Lab's Electron rocket. This event represented the inaugural launch of the Celeste demonstrator mission.

Exolaunch provided its flight-proven separation systems, deployment and integration services to ensure mission success for the inaugural launch. The company supplied these services for the Celeste demonstrator mission. These efforts supported the overall mission success.

The initial mission phase consists of two CubeSats. IOD-1 was built by GMV. IOD-2 was built by Thales Alenia Space.

The CubeSats are designed to validate the system definition and early signal broadcasting. They de-risk and demonstrate technology for the core elements of succeeding Celeste satellites. Integration of the satellites into the EXOpod Nova deployers occurred successfully at the company headquarters in Berlin.

This mission was the 43rd in Exolaunch flight heritage. The launch site was Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1 in Mahia, New Zealand. It took place on March 28.

## Sources

- [Exolaunch](https://www.exolaunch.com/mission_43)

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Retrieved: 2026-06-27T04:17:08.817Z
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