Hydra Space team up with SmartIR and sign launch contract with Alba Orbital
hydra space return to launch Pocketqube in q4 2024
Glasgow, UK - March 27th, 2024 - Alba Orbital, the world’s leading PocketQube launch services provider, is delighted to announce the signing of a launch contract with ground-breaking companies Hydra Space and SmartIR, returning after 2 previous successful launches. Under the launch agreement, Alba Orbital will deliver a 1.5P PocketQube deployed into orbit in Q4 2024.
PocketQubes are miniature satellites, typically measuring just 5 centimetres per side and weighing less than 250 grams per unit (or ‘p’). Despite their small size, these tiny satellites offer a cost-effective and versatile platform for a wide range of space-based applications. Their compact form factor enables efficient deployment and scalability, making them ideal for building satellite constellations.
HADES-R, built by Hydra Space, has been developed for IoT purposes. HADES-R will be the 6th PocketQube built by Hydra, a big milestone in their mission to achieve a constellation of IoT PocketQubes. This mission embodies Hydra’s aim to allow them to keep pushing the boundaries of space, whilst allowing them to be efficient and cost-effective. It comes after Hydra’s success with their previous satellite (Hydra-1 / HADES-D) launched by Alba Orbital in Q4 2023.
The primary mission for HADES-R is to be a FM repeater. As there is a small empty space available, it will be used to carry an experiment by Smart IR/Graphene Engineering Innovation Centre, GEIC University of Manchester (UK) consisting in a very low power active radiator to be tested on space conditions. The data for this experiment will be transmitted in a specific data packet in the telemetry. This experiment will be delivered to AMSAT EA for integration and will be operated by AMSAT-EA, being all its data public and open.
As a secondary mission, the satellite will carry an experiment by Smart IR/Graphene Engineering Innovation Centre, GEIC University of Manchester (UK) consisting in a very low power active radiator to be tested on space conditions.
PocketQubes are miniature satellites, typically measuring just 5 centimetres per side and weighing less than 250 grams per unit (or ‘p’). Despite their small size, these tiny satellites offer a cost-effective and versatile platform for a wide range of space-based applications. Their compact form factor enables efficient deployment and scalability, making them ideal for building satellite constellations.
“It brings me great pride to once again announce that Hydra Space and SmartIR have chosen to launch with us”, says Alba Orbital CEO Tom Walkinshaw. “Together, we embark on a mission to redefine possibilities in the space industry, forging paths to new frontiers and revolutionizing satellite technology. Our collaboration with Hydra Space is not just a transaction; it's a testament to our shared vision of democratizing access to space and empowering the next generation of innovators.”
Alba Orbital is the leading provider of PocketQube satellite rideshare services, having delivered 41 satellites to orbit to date with launch partners such as SpaceX and Rocket Lab. With a focus on accessibility and reliability, Alba Orbital empowers organizations worldwide to realize their space exploration goals. If you would like to launch your own space based missions, get in touch at contact@albaorbital.com or fill in our contact form.
About Alba Orbital
Alba Orbital (UK, USA, Germany) is the world’s leading PocketQube company that has delivered 41 pico-satellites on-orbit to date. Alba is a vertically integrated NewSpace company ‘democratising access to space’, providing turnkey solutions from advanced pico-satellite platforms, low-cost launch opportunities, and ground station services. Alba has worked with over 30 customers across three continents, including prestigious clients such as Stanford University, Carnegie Mellon University and TU Delft.
Press contact: Caius Reza, Head of Business & Marketing
Email: caius.reza@albaorbital.com
About Hydra Space
Hydra Space is a satellite engineering company based in Madrid, Spain dedicated to satellite IoT communications with full inhouse technology, including satellites and ground-segment. Hydra Space is a member of Madrid Innovation and New Space Cluster (MINSC).
For more information visit www.hydra-space.com or get in touch at contacto@hydra-space.com.