Spectrum Launch Vehicle First Flight to Demonstrate New Technology
A newly-developed release actuator from DCUBED will be tested on the first flight of the Spectrum launch vehicle from Isar Aerospace.
“So far, we always had to use launch service providers from the US or New Zealand for in-orbit demonstration of our products. Having a launch service provider in Bavaria, that is just on the other side of Munich will simplify things."
Thomas Sinn, CEO of DCUBED.
The first test flight of the Spectrum is scheduled for 2023 from Andøya, Norway. Spectrum is a two-stage launch vehicle that is specifically designed for satellite constellation deployment. With a vertically integrated value chain, Isar Aerospace designs, develops and tests the launch system in-house and builds on a highly automated production and state-of-the-art production technologies like 3D-printing. This way, the company achieves maximum flexibility, speed, and autonomy.
The release actuator to be tested during the Spectrum launch vehicle first light is a larger version of actuators developed by DCUBED and flown in January of this year. The micro pin puller uD3PP is the perfect solution for linear actuation, ensuring that the critical mechanisms of the spacecraft are locked during launch and deployed once in orbit, triggering deployable structures such as solar arrays and antennas. The flight aboard the Spectrum will serve as an in-orbit demonstration and provide further space heritage for DCUBED’s products.
The in-orbit demonstration of the newly developed release actuator on the first test flight of Isar Aerospace’s Spectrum demonstrates how the growing start-up scene is partnering up in making space more accessible. With the local space industry in and around Munich growing and flourishing, this partnership is determined to inspire further collaborations amongst a striving eco-system.
“So far, we always had to use launch service providers from the US or New Zealand for in-orbit demonstration of our products. Having a launch service provider in Bavaria, that is just on the other side of Munich will simplify things. We are very excited to work together with Isar Aerospace for this mission and many more to come. We cannot wait until the day of the first test flight approaches”, said Thomas Sinn, CEO of DCUBED.
“We are pleased to host DCUBED’s in-orbit demonstration on-board Spectrum’s first test flight. We are looking forward to collaborating with DCUBED and supporting them in the development of their technology ensuring a reliable launch of small satellites,” said Daniel Metzler, Co-Founder and CEO of Isar Aerospace.
Isar Aerospace is a private European launch service provider for small and medium satellite deployment.
(Image provided with Isar Aerospace news release)