# YAM-9

> payload hosting satellite by Loft Orbital

**Wikidata**: [Q136913094](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q136913094)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/yam-9

## Summary
YAM-9, also known as "Yet Another Mission 9," is a payload hosting satellite and technology demonstration spacecraft operated by Loft Orbital. Manufactured in collaboration with Airbus Defence and Space, the spacecraft utilizes the ARROW150 bus to host third-party payloads and scientific instruments. It is scheduled for launch aboard the Transporter 15 mission from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4 East in November 2025.

## Key Facts
- **Aliases:** Yet Another Mission 9
- **Operator:** Loft Orbital
- **Manufacturers:** Loft Orbital and Airbus Defence and Space
- **Spacecraft Bus:** ARROW150
- **Classification:** Payload hosting satellite; Technology demonstration spacecraft
- **Power System:** Equipped with 2 spacecraft solar arrays
- **Country of Origin:** United States
- **Launch Date:** Scheduled for November 26, 2025
- **Launch Site:** Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4 East
- **Launch Mission:** Transporter 15
- **Payload:** Carries a scientific instrument (Wikidata ID: Q136913093)

## FAQs
### Q: What is the primary function of YAM-9?
A: YAM-9 functions as a payload hosting satellite, meaning it is designed to carry and operate third-party payloads, as well as demonstrate experimental technologies in space.

### Q: Who manufactured and operates YAM-9?
A: YAM-9 is operated by Loft Orbital. It was manufactured jointly by Loft Orbital and Airbus Defence and Space.

### Q: When and where will YAM-9 be launched?
A: YAM-9 is scheduled for launch on November 26, 2025, from the Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4 East as part of the Transporter 15 mission.

## Why It Matters
YAM-9 represents a continued shift in the space industry toward flexible, hosted payload solutions. By utilizing a standardized satellite bus—the ARROW150—Loft Orbital and manufacturing partner Airbus Defence and Space provide a streamlined path for integrating third-party technologies into orbit. This model lowers the barrier to entry for organizations wishing to fly scientific instruments or experimental hardware, as they do not need to develop an entire spacecraft themselves.

The mission is also significant for its role in technology demonstration. As a spacecraft designed to test experimental tech, YAM-9 contributes to the validation of new space infrastructure capabilities, specifically those related to AI-enabled systems and hyperspectral imaging, as suggested by its carried instruments. Its launch on the Transporter 15 rideshare mission further emphasizes the efficiency of modern satellite deployment, allowing multiple entities to share launch costs and access space more frequently.

## Notable For
- **Payload Hosting Model:** Distinguished by its specific design to host third-party payloads rather than serving a single proprietary mission.
- **ARROW150 Bus:** Utilizes the ARROW150 spacecraft bus, a specific platform chosen for this mission's profile.
- **Dual-Manufacturer Origins:** A collaborative manufacturing effort between Loft Orbital and aerospace giant Airbus Defence and Space.
- **Rideshare Deployment:** Scheduled for deployment via a dedicated rideshare mission (SpaceX Transporter 15), highlighting commercial access to space.

## Body
### Technical Specifications
YAM-9 is built on the **ARROW150** spacecraft bus. The satellite is equipped with a power system consisting of **2 spacecraft solar arrays**. It is classified structurally and functionally as both a **payload hosting satellite** and a **technology demonstration spacecraft**.

The satellite is a product of the **United States**, manufactured jointly by **Loft Orbital** and **Airbus Defence and Space**. Loft Orbital serves as the primary operator of the spacecraft.

### Mission Payload
The spacecraft is designated to carry a **scientific instrument** (referenced in knowledge bases as Q136913093). As a payload host, YAM-9 provides the necessary infrastructure—including power, communications, and attitude control—for this instrument to operate in orbit. This mission architecture allows the payload provider to focus on instrument development while Loft Orbital manages the spacecraft bus and mission operations.

### Launch Profile
YAM-9 is slated for a significant event on **November 26, 2025**. It will be launched as part of the **Transporter 15** mission. The launch will take place at **Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4 East**. This location is typically used for polar and sun-synchronous orbits, which are common for earth observation and technology demonstration satellites.

## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/yam-8.htm)
2. [Source](https://www.spacex.com/launches/transporter-15)
3. [Source](https://loftorbital.com/yam-9-benchmarking-the-future-of-ai-enabled-space-infrastructure/)
4. [Source](https://www.linkedin.com/posts/loft-orbital_hyperspectral-spacemadesimple-activity-7396698042986369024-KqU5/)