SmartIR, Alba Orbital and Hydra Space to launch Pocket-sized Satellite hosting Graphene Experiment via SPacex

SmartIr signs launch service agreement with alba orbital to launch in-orbit graphene experiment via spaceX in q4 2024

April 24th, 2024 - Glasgow, UK - Alba Orbital, a global leader in PocketQube launch services, has today announced SmartIR, a spin-out company from the University of Manchester, located at the pioneering Graphene Engineering Innovation Centre (GEIC), as the latest client for their upcoming Q4 2024 SpaceX launch. 

SmartIR has signed a launch services agreement with Alba Orbital to deploy their in-orbit experiment on board a 1.5P PocketQube (HADES-R) developed by Madrid-based pico-satellite manufacturer, Hydra Space Systems S.L.

PocketQubes are a new class of satellite that can be launched to orbit for as little as 25K Euro. Measuring at just 5cm3 per unit (or ‘P’), these tiny ‘Rubiks-cube-sized' satellites offer affordable access to space, making them the ideal platform for researchers and organisations looking to deploy valuable experiments in space with reduced financial mission risk.

SmartIR, renowned for its pioneering research in materials science, is developing a cost-effective graphene-based smart coating for satellites that will enable them to manage thermal energy in real-time. The experiment hosted on Hydra Space’s HADES-R (AKA ‘SmartSat’) PocketQube, involves testing a very low power active graphene radiator under the rigors of space conditions.

With the HADES-R mission, SmartIR / GEIC's research team will have demonstrated a cutting-edge solution for satellites to control thermal radiation on demand. The harsh conditions of space can subject satellites to temperature variations exceeding 400°C. The impact of temperature fluctuations on satellites can disrupt everyday apps and emergency services. Current thermal management solutions are bulky, heavy, and power-intensive. SmartIR's research suggests that graphene radiators offer a lightweight, low-power solution covering the entire infrared spectrum.

"The Alba Orbital team is excited to welcome SMARTIR as our newest rideshare customer", said Tom Walkinshaw, Founder and CEO of Alba Orbital. "Launching SmartIR's experiment aboard Hydra Space’s HADES-R platform demonstrates the potential of PocketQubes for cutting-edge research and international collaboration."

‘‘We are thrilled to work with Alba Orbital and Hydra Space on the upcoming HADES-R Mission”, said Dr Margherita Sepioni, CEO and Founder at SmartIR. “This mission is enabling us to validate our research findings in-orbit, and with our findings, we aim to address critical challenges in space exploration, such as temperature control, with graphene-based solutions”.

"We're delighted to contribute to SmartIR's mission with the deployment of our HADES-R platform," shared Pablo Durban, CEO of Hydra Space Systems. "By facilitating cost-effective in-orbit demonstrations via PocketQubes, we're driving innovation in space technology and fostering synergy within the industry."

The HADES-R mission, scheduled for launch in NET October 2024 via SpaceX on Alba Orbital's 8th orbital launch campaign, marks a significant advancement in graphene applications in space technology, facilitated by Alba Orbital’s reliable and cost-effective satellite launch services.

As this satellite will operate in amateur bands, its operation will be done by the non-profit  organization AMSAT-EA. A voice repeater has been configured for its use by all licensed amateurs around the world.

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; caius.reza@albaorbital.com.

about hydra space systems s.l.

Hydra Space is an engineering company based in Madrid, Spain. Our capabilities integrate all the space & communications value chain, having already launched several satellites. We provide efficient and optimized Satellite IoT Communications to sectors like precision agriculture, infrastructure management and environment and ocean monitoring.

Our solutions and capabilities open the doors to Affordable Access to Space, helping research agencies, universities and corporations implement space-based innovation initiatives and new business models. For more information visit www.hydra-space.com

about smartir

SmartIR,a spin-out from the University of Manchester adopting breakthrough technology to control infrared thermal radiation. For more information visit www.smartir.co.uk