Aevum Unveils Autonomous Launch Vehicle ‘Ravn X’

Aevum has introduced an autonomous launch vehicle designed to bring satellites to low-Earth orbit.

Ravn X is an 80-foot-long unmanned aircraft system with a wingspan of 60 feet and can take off with a gross weight of 55K pounds, the company said Thursday.

“U.S. leadership has identified the critical need for extremely fast access to low Earth orbit. … Through our autonomous technologies, Aevum will shorten the lead time of launches from years to months, and when our customers demand it, minutes,” said Jay Skylus, founder and CEO of Aevum.

Ravn X can lift off from a one-mile runway to deliver satellites to orbit as fast as every 180 minutes.

The U.S. Space Force participated Thursday in the virtual public unveiling of Ravn X with Lt. Col. Ryan Rose, chief of the small launch and targets divisions at Kirtland Air Force Base in New Mexico, delivering remarks during the event. 

Aevum holds spots on several government contracts, including the Space Force’s potential nine-year, $986M Orbital Services Program-4 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for 20 launch missions.