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Glasgow firm signs deal to carry its satellites on SpaceX rockets

Alba Orbital has signed a multi-launch contract to carry its mini satellites on Elon Musk’s SpaceX missions.

The Glasgow company has signed the deal with Hello Space Systems, in Turkey.

Alba Orbital is the world’s leading PocketQube launch services provider. These miniature satellites measure only 5cm on each side and weigh less than 250g. Despite their size, they offer a “cost-effective and versatile platform” of a wide range of space-based applications and they’re ideal for building satellite constellations.

“We are thrilled to work alongside Hello Space again and to continue to help them achieve their orbital ambitions,” said Tom Walkinshaw, CEO of Alba Orbital. 

“PocketQubes offer unparalleled advantages in terms of cost-effectiveness, versatility, and scalability, making them an ideal platform for driving innovation in satellite technology.”

Under the agreement, Alba Orbital will deliver four 3p PocketQubes (5 x 5 x 15cm), dedicated to expanding Hello Space Systems’ commercial IoT constellation, to a Sun Synchronous orbit via SpaceX’s Falcon 9 launch vehicle in 2024 and 2025. 

This follows a previous successful mission, “Istanbul” and the new deployment is set to help Hello Space Systems further enhance connectivity and data services worldwide.

“From the initial consultation to the flawless execution during the Istanbul mission campaign, Alba Orbital showcased exceptional technical competence and efficiency”, said Muzaffer Duysal, CEO of Hello Space Systems. 

“We are delighted to have chosen Alba Orbital as our launch service provider once again, and we look forward to embarking on these new and exciting missions together”.

To date Alba Orbital has delivered 41 satellites with launch partners such as SpaceX and Rocket Lab.

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