D-Orbit’s first ION satellite carrier mission has launched on VV16!
Today saw the first D-Orbit ION mission, #ionscvlucas, launched upon Arianespace’s Vega SSMS PoC Flight VV16.
The free-flying CubeSat dispenser is home to a 1U CubeSat Propulsion Module Dawn produced together with Hyperion Technologies. It also hitched a ride to space alongside a few Planet Earth observation satellites.
The launch marks a significant milestone in compliance for the world of 3D printed space hardware. The 1U CubeSat propulsion module was the first-ever ECSS compliant 3D printed bi-propellant propulsion system to be allowed to be launched to space, fully pressurised.
All safety and compliance procedures were satisfied per European Space Agency standards by CNES.
“It’s typically very hard to get propulsion onboard rideshare systems,” said Stefan Powell, Dawn Aerospace CTO. “This shows we can make these units pass all the rules of one of the world’s largest launch providers and get them to space onboard rideshare missions. It has defined new precedence.”
Steven Engelen, CTO at Hyperion Technologies added: “After five years of development, we are very excited to see this CubeSat Propulsion Module in space. It marks the beginning of a new era of small satellite mobility.”
Read the official #VV16 press release from Arianespace.
