Alba Orbital Completes 11th Launch, Achieving 62 Total PocketQubes Delivered to Orbit
A new milestone in PocketQube innovation has been reached as Alba Orbital successfully completed its 11th misison, in collaboration with SEOPS.
Building on a strong track record of successful launches, this mission saw five PocketQube satellites deployed into Low Earth Orbit (LEO), continuing Alba Orbital’s commitment to making space more accessible, affordable, and capable for organisations around the world.
PocketQubes, are among the smallest class of satellites, measuring just 5 cm³ per unit (1P). Despite their size, they have proven to be powerful tools for education, research, and commercial applications. Low-cost launches and rapid development cycles let teams access space and mitigate risk by scaling from 1P to 6P missions, rather than relying on a single larger satellite.
With each mission, the PocketQube ecosystem continues to grow, demonstrating that meaningful space missions can be achieved with compact, cost-effective platforms.
Satellites on Launch
Unicorn-2S and Unicorn-2R – Alba Orbital
Unicorn-2S and Unicorn-2R PocketQubes
Unicorn-2S and Unicorn-2R are Alba Orbital’s latest advanced 3P Earth observation PocketQube missions. Building on the proven Unicorn-class platform, which has already seen 18 satellites launched, these missions aim to further enhance system performance and reliability.
Following the success of previous Unicorn-2 missions, which delivered EO imagery from across the globe, these satellites continue to push the boundaries of what is possible with PocketQubes.
The Unicorn platform incorporates the world’s smallest attitude determination and control system (ADCS), enabling precise Earth pointing within a compact satellite. This capability supports Alba Orbital’s long-term vision of achieving high-revisit-rate, nighttime Earth observation using PocketQubes.
SpinnyONE – Spinning Around / Hydra Space Systems S.L.
SpinnyONE is a 2P PocketQube technology demonstrator developed by Spinning Around using a platform from Hydra Space Systems.
SpinnyONE PocketQube
The mission was designed to validate core software, microcircuitry, and operational architecture for creating accessible, tailor-made gravitational environments for life science experimentation in orbit.
By capturing and transmitting data from space, SpinnyONE demonstrates the feasibility of a low-cost, scalable orbital microlab platform, opening new opportunities for frequent and affordable life science research in Low Earth Orbit.
DECIMAL-SAT1 “Elephant Juice” – OCULLO Space
DECIMAL-SAT1, also known as the “Elephant Juice” mission, is a 1P PocketQube developed by OCULLO Space.
DECIMAL-SAT1 PocketQube
The satellite carries an innovative DNA data-storage payload created in collaboration with BioSistemika and XexiconSat. The mission encodes and preserves messages within DNA and sends them into orbit, offering a modern reinterpretation of humanity’s message to space.
Inspired by historic efforts to communicate beyond Earth, the mission highlights the intersection of biotechnology and space, while showcasing how PocketQubes can support creative and meaningful scientific initiatives.
VEGAFLY-1 – Vega Space and Geospatial Academy
VEGAFLY-1 is a 1P education-focused PocketQube mission designed to give students in Vietnam hands-on experience in designing, building, and operating a satellite.
VEGAFLY-1 PocketQube
The spacecraft carries a simple imaging payload that captures photos from orbit and transmits them back to Earth for public access and learning.
In addition, the satellite includes an amateur radio digipeater, encouraging engagement from radio operators both locally and globally. This mission demonstrates how PocketQubes can combine education, community involvement, and open data to inspire the next generation of engineers and scientists.
Continuing the Mission to Democratise Space
This mission marked another step forward in Alba Orbital’s mission to democratize access to space. By working with partners across education, research, and industry, Alba continues to enable faster, more affordable, and more reliable access to orbit.
About Alba Orbital
Alba Orbital (UK, USA, Germany) is the world’s leading PocketQube company, having delivered 57 pico-satellites to orbit for customers worldwide. Alba provides turnkey solutions including advanced pico-satellite platforms, low-cost launch opportunities, and ground station services.
By partnering with organisations across the globe, Alba Orbital continues to democratize access to space, making satellite missions more accessible than ever before.
Contact: contact@albaorbital.com
About SEOPS
SEOPS is a U.S.-owned provider of smallsat integration and launch services to LEO, cislunar, and beyond. With experience from over 400 satellite deployments, including NASA and U.S. Space Force missions, SEOPS offers end-to-end solutions, including rideshare management, mission design, and orbital deployment, enabling costeffective, seamless access to space.