Successful integration of 9 PocketQube satellites in a 3D printed deployer manufactured using high-performance composite material
The core of the upcoming mission, named ‘That time of year’, is Alba Orbital’s AlbaPod v2, the world’s only space proven PocketQube deployer, entirely 3D printed by Italy-based CRP Technology using Windform XT 2.0 high-performance composite material Carbon-fiber reinforced. The deployer will take customer satellites to orbit on a SpaceX Falcon 9 launch vehicle in December 2020. It will be the largest PocketQube launch in history to date.
Alba Orbital Ltd recently announced the successful integration of nine PocketQube satellites ahead of their upcoming Alba Cluster 3 mission, ‘That time of year', which will be the largest PocketQube launch in history to date.
"We are very pleased that Alba Cluster 3 mission represents a historic event in PocketQube history, and that professional 3D printing along with Windform XT 2.0 composite material is part of it! We revolutionized the small sat arena, and now we are doing the same with the PocketQube world. As Tom Walkinshaw, Founder and CEO Alba Orbital, recently said, "this a huge milestone for Alba and the PocketQube community". We at CRP Technology are very proud of it."
The cluster includes Turkey's first pico-satellite, Grizu-263a which was designed by a team of engineering students from Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University and named in honour of the 1992 Kozlu coal mine disaster. The Grizu team are joined by other prestigious universities on the Alba Cluster 3 lineup such as TU Delft and Ariel University.
Speaking on why TU Delft signed up to launch with Alba Orbital, Delfi-PQ team member, M. Ş. (Mehmet) Uludağ said: "Alba Orbital is the only company right now who have a qualified PocketQube Deployer and this gives you a certain confidence that your satellite will be deployed without any problems''
Alba Orbital Cluster 3 is manifested on a SpaceX Falcon 9 launch vehicle and is scheduled for a December 2020 launch date with a target SSO (Polar) Orbit.
Featured Product
T.J. Davies' Retention Knobs
Our retention knobs are manufactured above international standards or to machine builder specifications. Retention knobs are manufactured utilizing AMS-6274/AISI-8620 alloy steel drawn in the United States. Threads are single-pointed on our lathes while manufacturing all other retention knob features to ensure high concentricity. Our process ensures that our threads are balanced (lead in/lead out at 180 degrees.) Each retention knob is carburized (hardened) to 58-62HRC, and case depth is .020-.030. Core hardness 40HRC. Each retention knob is coated utilizing a hot black oxide coating to military specifications. Our retention knobs are 100% covered in black oxide to prevent rust. All retention knob surfaces (not just mating surfaces) have a precision finish of 32 RMA micro or better: ISO grade 6N. Each retention knob is magnetic particle tested and tested at 2.5 times the pulling force of the drawbar. Certifications are maintained for each step in the manufacturing process for traceability.
