Latitude

Latitude is a French aerospace manufacturer specialising in the design and production of light orbital launch vehicles. Positioned as a dedicated transport provider for the small satellite market, the company focuses on liquid-propulsion technology to offer frequent and cost-effective access to space. Its primary role in the value chain is as a launch service provider for operators requiring precise orbital injection for payloads that do not require the mass capacity of heavy-lift rockets. The organisation is centred on the development of the Zephyr micro-launcher, a two-stage rocket powered by the Navarre engine. This propulsion system is notable for its use of 3D-printed components to streamline manufacturing. The company maintains close structural links with the French space agency, CNES, and intends to conduct its orbital operations from the Guiana Space Centre in Kourou, serving both commercial and institutional satellite constellations. Prospective buyers or partners should verify the current status of the Zephyr flight testing schedule and the transition from static fire campaigns to orbital attempts. It is essential to confirm the certified payload capacity for specific Sun-synchronous orbits and the firm availability of launch slots at the CSG facility. Stakeholders should also assess the maturity of the Navarre engine's production scale-up and the regulatory approvals held for international payload handling.