Alba Orbital gets SMART to develop PocketQube EPS
Alba Orbital Ltd (PocketQube Shop) a Space Startup based in Glasgow, Scotland, has announced it has won a SMART Award from Scottish Enterprise. The Award represents funding of over $100k (£63k) to develop the first commercially available Electrical Power System (EPS) for PocketQube class Satellites.
PocketQube’s are a new class of satellite which are a low-cost entry point for small budget organisations such as Universities, Amateurs, Space Agencies and High Schools. The first 4 PocketQubes were launched into orbit last year, with many more in development around the world.
The EPS will join a growing list of Commercial Off the Shelf or COTS parts available for the PocketQube form factor and help widen participation and access to space. PocketQube Shop’s current product range includes structures, Transceivers, mechanical and electrical ground support equipment.
The Power System will be designed to the PQ60 electronics standard, which is a community led standard to allow interoperability of different subsystems. It will take input power from the Solar Panels and transfer/store power for the main satellite bus, ensuring the spacecraft has continuous power on-orbit.
Tom Walkinshaw Founder/CEO of Alba Orbital Ltd (PocketQube Shop) said:
“We are very honoured to receive this SMART award which allows us to develop a cutting edge PocketQube EPS. It is great to see Scottish Enterprise’s belief in what we are trying to accomplish by widening access to space and we are very grateful to have their support”
About PocketQube’s
The 5x5x5cm, 0.15kg PocketQube standard has evolved to become the basis for one of the most widely accepted families of picosatellite designs and was originally proposed by Professor Bob Twiggs at Morehead University.
About Alba Orbital Ltd (PocketQube Shop)
Alba Orbital Ltd (PocketQube Shop) based in Glasgow, Scotland, wants to get more people building and launching their own satellites. They provide a hub for the fledgling class of PocketQube satellites by offering a one stop shop with the largest selection of parts available anywhere. Having successfully closed a Kickstarter campaign they are now growing their product range.
Website: http://www.pocketqubeshop.com/
