The space transportation and logistics company D-Orbit has announced the signing of a framework contract with NPC SPACEMIND, an Italian space company specializing in smaller satellite hardware, complete platforms, and end-to-end mission services.

The contract covers the launch and deployment of FUTURA-SM1 and FUTURA-SM3, a 3U and a 6U CubeSats respectively, which will be integrated into NPC Spacemind's proprietary CubeSat dispensers. The dispensers will be installed inside ION Satellite Carrier, a versatile orbital transfer vehicle designed, manufactured, and operated by D- Orbit, for in-orbit validation.

"We are thrilled to join forces with NPC Spacemind for a wholly Italian partnership," said Renato Panesi, D-Orbit's Chief Commercial Officer. "Spacemind's excellence in manufacturing space structures will further improve our ability to provide custom dispensers to fit even the most unusual mission configurations."

After successful validation, D-Orbit will offer NPC Spacemind's dispenser as an additional option to customize ION's flight configuration and further broaden the company's launch options.

"It is a privilege to work with D-Orbit, reference point of the space logistics and orbital transportation services, with which we share the attention for space environmental sustainability since the early beginnings", said Niccolo Bellini, NPC Spacemind's Production and Program Manager. "We are excited about this cooperation by virtue of enhancing the supply chain of the Italian space economy."

ION Satellite Carrier is a multi-purpose vehicle capable of carrying out within a single mission satellite transportation, payload hosting, and advanced in-orbit edge computing services.

NPC Spacemind's satellites are scheduled for flight in Q4 2022 onboard ION SCV008.

Related Links
D-Orbit
Space Technology News - Applications and Research

Tweet

Thanks for being here; We need your help. The Space Media Network continues to grow but revenues have never been harder to maintain. With the rise of Ad Blockers, and Facebook - our traditional revenue sources via quality network advertising continues to decline. And unlike so many other news sites, we don't have a paywall - with those annoying usernames and passwords. Our news coverage takes time and effort to publish 365 days a year. If you find our news sites informative and useful then please consider becoming a regular supporter or for now make a one off contribution.
SpaceMediaNetwork Contributor $5 Billed Once credit card or paypal		SpaceMediaNetwork Monthly Supporter $5 Billed Monthly paypal only

Chinese rocket re-enters Earth atmosphere uncontrolled over the Pacific Ocean
Washington DC (UPI) Nov 4, 2021
Chinese rocket debris weighing 23 tons is crashing to Earth in an uncontrolled descent Friday. U.S. Space Command tweeted a confirmation that the rocket re-entered the Earth's atmosphere over the south-central Pacific Ocean at 4:01 a.m. Friday. The rocket was launched on Oct. 31 carrying the third and final module for the Tiangong space station. Much of the debris is expected to burn up as it passes through Earth's atmosphere. The Aerospace Corporation had calculated that the Chin ... read more