The XPOD Separation System was developed through the SFL CanX Nanosatellite Program. The XPOD is an enclosed "jack-in-the-box" container for separating nanosatellites from virtually any launch vehicle. Various models are available, including models compatible with the CalPoly CubeSat standard. Once a deployment signal is received from the launch vehicle, a power supply inside the XPOD activates a release mechanism causing a door to open and the spacecraft to be ejected. The XPOD implements a single-failure fail-operational design, and is customizable for spacecraft up to 14kg with arbitrary dimensions. Also available are semi-enclosed (or "open concept") designs that accommodate fixed appendages. Recently, six XPODs flew successfully aboard PSLV-C9 including the XPOD Single, XPOD Triple, and XPOD GNB models (pictured above).
Specification
Two XPOD models are summarized below. Additional models and customized units are available.
| Accommodation |
- XPOD Triple |
10 x 10 x 34 cm, 3.5 kg spacecraft |
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- XPOD DUO |
20 x 20 x 40 cm, 14 kg spacecraft |
| Release mechanism |
|
Clamp-type with Vectran tie-down |
| Deployment Signal |
|
28 V, 1.4A, 500 ms |
| Telemetry |
|
Door Status, Deployment Status |
| Mechanical Interface |
|
Customizable per LV requirement |
| Dimensions |
- XPOD Triple |
42 x 17.5 x 15 cm, 3.5 kg w/o spacecraft |
| and Mass |
- XPOD DUO |
47 x 47 x 52 cm, 10 kg w/o spacecraft |
| Temperature, Operational |
|
-35ºC to +65ºC |
| Temperature, Survival |
|
-35ºC to +65ºC |
| Vibration |
|
12.9 gRMS |
| Natural Frequency |
|
>100 Hz |
| Miscellaneous |
|
The XPOD power supply requires charge top-off every 30 days |
*Specification subject to change. Unit is delivered with functional testing only.
Environmental acceptance is not performed unless negotiated with the customer.
UTIAS Space Flight Laboratory
4925 Dufferin Street, Toronto, Ontario M3H-5T6, Canada
Tel: +1-416-667-7864, Fax: +1-416-667-7799, Web: www.utias-sfl.net
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