Research vessel Von Braun enters service

HOUSTON, Texas, 18 January 2022

TriOptimum Orbital & Research Systems today announced that the long-range research vessel Von Braun has entered service, after six years of design and construction and eight months of trials.

The Von Braun is the first of a new class of crewed vessels designed to carry research programs far beyond the reach of any station, for deployments of a year or more. Its propulsion system was designed by a team led by Dr. Marie Delacroix, and its ship-management system, which runs navigation, life support and resource allocation, was licensed with the Turing Registry yesterday.

The vessel carries a crew of up to 72 and laboratory space for 30 research programs at a time, including hydroponic and biological research facilities developed with Agrisystems and Medical Systems. Its first deployment will begin in the spring.

Commander Anatoly Korenchkin, who has commanded TriOptimum facilities in orbit since 2011, will command the vessel.

This ship can take a crew further, for longer, than anything we have built. And it can bring them back.

About TriOptimum

TriOptimum Corporation (NYSE: TRIO) is a diversified technology company with six business segments: Security Products, Medical Systems, Network Services, Orbital & Research Systems, Resources & Materials and Agrisystems. Founded in Halsworth, England, in 1951, TriOptimum employs 118,400 people in 47 countries and reported revenue of $41.27 billion in 2025.

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