TPOD (Third Planet Orbital Deployer)

The Third Planet Orbital Deployer (TPOD) offers a novel means to inject a satellite into its target orbit. The TPOD streamlines the complete satellite integration process, from providing access to the satellite whilst inside the TPOD, to being transport-ready (ground and space) at first insertion. Third Planet Orbital’s approach is to streamline mass, manufacturing and processes to fundamentally reduce the Total Cost of Ownership from integration through to T=0. The TPOD employs a straightforward satellite mounting technique requiring minimal training and no complex adjustments. A maximised envelope is available around the satellite, which remains easily accessible post-integration by removing any side panel, allowing preparation or maintenance activities to be performed on the satellite while it is safely secured within the TPOD. The mechanisms are all latching, retained and redundant, engineered for reliability while remaining simple and easy to operate. The TPOD has been selected for use on Exotopic’s ‘Give Me Some Space!’ mission (targeted 2026 launch) and is designed to provide accommodation for higher-capability CubeSats, maximising volume utilisation versus overall mass; ongoing engineering activity is intended to support a 6U/12U/16U exchange programme for responsive customer schedule flexibility.