# Moog Celebrates 25 Years of ESPA Space Rideshare Innovation The Evolved Secondary Payload Adapter revolutionized orbital access through efficient multi-payload launch configurations. - **Source:** [SpaceNews](https://spacenews.com) - **Published:** 2026-11-11 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/5f67c976-4cd1-43b6-989e-3487a83f97e7 ## Quarter Century Milestone Moog Inc. is commemorating the 25th anniversary of the Evolved Secondary Payload Adapter (ESPA) ring reaching its Critical Design Review. Completed on January 18, 2001, this milestone marked a shift in aerospace engineering. The technology was developed through a collaborative initiative between industry partners and the Air Force Research Lab. ## Solving Launch Inefficiency The ESPA ring was engineered to solve the problem of wasted space on launch vehicles. By utilizing previously unused volume beneath primary satellites, it allows multiple secondary payloads to share a single launch. This structural innovation significantly lowered costs and increased mission flexibility for commercial, government, and defense space operations. ## Evolution of Modular Design Over the past 25 years, the ESPA family has evolved from a single design into a versatile, modular platform. Moog currently offers various configurations, including Standard, Heavy, and Grande versions. These iterations are designed to accommodate a wide range of payload sizes and complex interface requirements for modern space missions. ## Broadening Orbital Access The platform serves as a cornerstone for cost-effective access to orbit. By enabling rideshare missions, it supports diverse applications ranging from commercial satellite constellations to critical technology demonstrations. Its structural foundation is now frequently used for spacecraft buses, proving the design's adaptability beyond its original purpose as a simple adapter. ## Industry and Government Collaboration Dr. Darren Raspa, chief historian at the Air Force Research Lab, highlighted the enduring value of the partnership between the military and Moog. This collaboration remains a central theme in the history of the ESPA program. The project demonstrates how government-industry cooperation can yield long-term benefits for the entire aerospace sector. ## Public Exhibition Plans To mark the anniversary, a flight-qualified ESPA ring will be showcased at the National Museum of Nuclear Science History in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The exhibit is scheduled to run from November 7, 2026, through January 10, 2027. Visitors will have the unique opportunity to inspect the hardware that revolutionized space rideshare. ## Future Strategic Direction Moog continues to focus on advancing spacecraft payload integration and developing adaptable solutions for future exploration. As the space market grows, the company aims to maintain its role as a systems integrator. Their ongoing work ensures that flexible and cost-effective access to orbit remains a priority for upcoming defense and commercial missions. ## Legacy of Precision Engineering Moog Inc. maintains its reputation as a global designer of high-performance precision motion and fluid controls. Beyond the ESPA ring, the company provides critical systems for missiles, aircraft, and medical equipment. This 25-year legacy reflects a commitment to visionary innovation that continues to shape the modern landscape of global space travel. ## Sources covering this story - https://spacenews.com/moog-marks-25-years-since-espa-design-milestone-innovating-space-rideshare/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._