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\t\t\t\t\t\t03\/05\/2024<\/span> Europe\u2019s newest rocket soon launches, taking with it\u00a0many space missions\u00a0each with a unique objective, destination and team at home, cheering them on. Whether launching new satellites to look back and study Earth, peer out to deep space or test important new technologies in orbit, Ariane 6\u2019s first flight will showcase the versatility and flexibility of this impressive, heavy-lift launcher.\u00a0Read on for all about EXOpod Nova, then\u00a0see who else is flying first.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Many missions\u00a0will be hitching a ride into space on Ariane 6\u2019s first flight, but how do you ensure each one is launched from the rocket at the right time and in the right direction? The orchestration of these missions falls upon the shoulders of satellite deployers, tasked with releasing the satellites at the right time.<\/p>\n One of these deployment systems\u00a0flying on Ariane 6 is from Berlin-based Exolaunch, a global provider of launch services, mission management, satellite integration, and deployment hardware that has successfully deployed over 360 satellites across 25 missions to date.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n For Ariane 6\u2019s historic first flight, the company\u2019s EXOpod Nova deployer will carry four CubeSats into space. EXOpod Nova, the size of compact carry-on luggage, will be placed on the Ariane 6 upper stage payload adapter. Crafted from durable yet lightweight aluminium, this deployer can securely house up to 16 units worth of CubeSats, while the deployer itself weighs less than 14 kg\u00a0without them.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n In a bid to accommodate all types of CubeSats, including those surpassing standard dimensions, the EXOpod Nova is designed for versatility. Exolaunch Mission Manager, Nadine Smolka, highlights the company\u2019s dedication to pushing the boundaries of satellite designs, stating, \u201cWe aim to revolutionise the industry and make it easier for our customers to explore the limits of their satellite designs.\u201d<\/p>\n Ariane 6 will fly with the EXOpod Nova\u2019s 16 unit version in a three-door \u2018S3\u2019 configuration, allowing ample room for four satellites\u00a0to be positioned. The deployer is intuitive and user-friendly, by design. The EXOpod Nova doors open in response to a signal sent from the Ariane 6 launcher, followed by the push mechanism that releases the satellites into their orbits.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n Exolaunch\u2019s headquarters and integration facilities are located in Berlin, where the four CubeSats will be integrated into EXOpod Nova. Once complete, the unit then embarks on a transatlantic journey to Europe\u2019s Spaceport, where it will be connected to the Ariane 6 payload adapter. Nadine and other Exolaunch team members oversee the physical attachment and conduct rigorous tests to guarantee flawless functionality before liftoff.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n Emphasising their commitment to quality control, Nadine says, \u201cFor integration, and in general at Exolaunch, we work on a \u2018two brains, four eyes principle\u2019 to ensure quality control \u2014 a second teammate to ensure success for all critical operations.\u201d<\/p>\n As a German company with deep roots in spaceflight, Exolaunch takes pride in its European heritage and envisions a booming European space sector. Nadine concludes, \u201cWe want to see European space thrive, so we are very excited to see Ariane 6 launch and are honoured to be on board to provide independent access to space for our customers.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nEXOpod Nova deployer<\/h2>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nBuilt in Berlin<\/h2>\n
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