How to Launch a Satellite: A Step-by-Step Guide From Idea to Orbit

Can you launch your own satellite? Yes. Universities, startups and companies do it every year. But building the satellite is only half the job. Getting it into orbit involves choosing a launch, securing licenses, signing contracts, passing tests and meeting a long list of deadlines. This guide walks through every step from idea to first contact in orbit, with concrete requirements from SpaceX's Rideshare Payload User's Guide, NASA's Small Spacecraft Technology report and U.S. regulations.

Step 1: Define the mission

Every launch decision follows from three questions: where does the satellite need to go, how heavy and big is it, and when must it be there? The orbit drives everything. Earth observation satellites often use sun-synchronous orbit, communication satellites geostationary orbit, and many technology demonstrations fly in low Earth orbit. Also define how long the mission lasts and how the satellite will be removed at the end, because launch providers ask for it. SpaceX, for example, expects rideshare payloads to follow the FCC rule to dispose of spacecraft no later than five years after the mission ends.

Step 2: Choose the satellite format

Small satellites often follow the CubeSat standard, built from 10 cm units. According to the CubeSat Design Specification, a 1U CubeSat has a typical maximum mass of 2 kg, a 6U of 12 kg and a 12U of 24 kg. CubeSats fly in standard dispensers, which simplifies launch integration. Larger satellites use separation rings or multi-point interfaces. See CubeSats explained and deployers and separation systems.

Step 3: Start licensing early

Licensing is often the longest task. NASA's report states that the spacecraft owner or operator is responsible for licensing, whether or not an integrator is used. Typical approvals are radio frequency licensing, remote sensing licensing and laser approval, and launch providers require proof before integration. Frequency coordination through the ITU can take a long time, so start as soon as the mission concept is clear. See spectrum licensing and ITU filings. If U.S. technology or a U.S. launch is involved, check export control rules as well.

Step 4: Choose how to get to orbit

There are three main ways:

Rideshare: your satellite shares a rocket with others. NASA describes two types: a large primary payload with secondary payloads, or a dedicated rideshare carrying only small satellites. It is usually the cheapest option per kilogram.
Dedicated small launcher: a rocket for your mission alone, with your own orbit and date, at a higher price per kilogram.
Deployment from the ISS: CubeSats can be deployed from the International Space Station. NASA notes that NRCSD deployments reach a 51.6° orbit at 400 to 420 km, which limits lifetime.

Compare options in launch providers compared and rideshare vs dedicated. If the drop-off orbit does not match, an orbital transfer vehicle can take care of the last mile.

Step 5: Book directly or through an integrator

NASA explains that customers can work directly with the launch provider or use a launch broker or integrator. Brokers match satellites with launch opportunities, integrators also handle analyses and physical integration and may supply the dispenser or separation system. First-time operators often benefit from an integrator. See how to book a rideshare launch.

Step 6: Budget the launch

SpaceX publishes a reference price for rideshare to SSO: $350,000 for 50 kg plus $7,000 per additional kilogram. For a whole Falcon 9, SpaceX lists $74 million with its standard payment plan through 2026. Most other providers quote on request. Add integration, testing, insurance, transport and ground station costs. See how much it costs to launch a satellite.

Step 7: Sign the contract and agree the interfaces

The launch service agreement sets price, payments, delay rules and liability. U.S. launches also require a reciprocal waiver of claims between all parties under 14 CFR 440.17. The technical details are fixed in the Interface Control Document: mass properties, separation, electrical interface, environments and transmitter rules.

Step 8: Meet the integration deadlines

SpaceX's typical rideshare schedule shows how early the work starts. Mission analysis inputs are due about eight months before launch, range safety submissions begin around six months before launch, and the launch campaign readiness review takes place about two months before launch. Objects must be registered with the 18th Space Defense Squadron and SpaceX Space Traffic Coordination at least two months before launch.

Step 9: Test the satellite

Before shipping, the satellite must pass environmental tests such as vibration and thermal vacuum testing. Launch providers also set safety rules for rideshare payloads. SpaceX requires a separation velocity of 0.3 to 1.0 m/s, no attitude maneuvers for at least 120 seconds and no propulsive maneuvers for at least seven days after separation.

Step 10: Ship it and prepare it at the launch site

SpaceX receives rideshare payloads about 30 days before launch. The customer delivers the satellite and ground equipment, then prepares it in a cleanroom before it is mated and encapsulated in the fairing. See satellite shipping and payload processing.

Step 11: Launch, separation and first contact

After separation, SpaceX provides a best-estimate state vector, and from then on the customer is responsible for tracking and contacting the satellite. Book ground station passes before launch so you can hear your satellite on its first orbits.

Timeline at a glance

Early: mission definition, licensing, launch selection
About 8 months before launch: mission analysis inputs (SpaceX rideshare)
About 6 to 2 months before launch: range safety submissions, final analyses, registration
About 1 month before launch: delivery and launch campaign
Launch day: separation and first contact

Frequently asked questions

Can a private person launch a satellite?

Yes, through rideshare or with the help of an integrator, but the operator still needs the required licenses, insurance and a ground station.

How long does it take to launch a satellite?

The launch process itself starts many months before liftoff. For SpaceX rideshare, inputs are due about eight months before launch, and licensing often starts earlier.

What is the cheapest way to launch a satellite?

Rideshare is usually the cheapest per kilogram. SpaceX lists $350,000 for up to 50 kg to SSO.

Do I need a license to launch a satellite?

Yes. At minimum, radio frequency licensing is needed, and depending on the mission also remote sensing or laser approvals.

Who tracks the satellite after launch?

The operator. The launch provider delivers an initial state vector after separation.

Sources

Cover image: Falcon 9 launches NASA's SpaceX Crew-11 mission from Kennedy Space Center, 1 August 2025. Credit: NASA/Joel Kowsky (NHQ202508010024), public domain.