D-Orbit, an Italian space logistics and orbital transportation company, has been at the forefront of developing and operating the ION Satellite Carrier (ION), a versatile and cost-effective orbital transfer vehicle (OTV). The ION platform is designed to deploy small satellites, known as CubeSats, into precise orbits and to perform in-orbit demonstrations of third-party payloads. This article provides an overview of D-Orbit's seventh orbital transportation mission, highlighting the launch of two ION Satellite Carriers and their respective payloads.

Overview of D-Orbit's Seventh Orbital Transportation Mission

On January 3, 2023, D-Orbit successfully launched its seventh commercial mission, named "Second Star to the Right," marking a significant milestone in the company's mission cadence. This mission was notable for deploying two ION Satellite Carriers on a single launch, a first for D-Orbit. The launch took place at 9:56 a.m. ET (14:56 UTC) from Space Launch Complex 40 (SLC-40) at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. The Falcon 9 rocket carrying the two IONs lifted off as scheduled, and both carriers were successfully deployed into a 525-kilometer Sun-synchronous orbit (SSO) approximately 1 hour and 24 minutes after liftoff. This deployment strategy allowed D-Orbit to efficiently transport and release multiple payloads into orbit, demonstrating the scalability and flexibility of the ION platform. ([](

Details of the Deployed ION Satellite Carriers and Their Payloads

The two ION Satellite Carriers deployed during this mission were designated ION SCV007 and ION SCV008. Each carrier was equipped with a specific set of payloads, showcasing D-Orbit's capability to accommodate diverse customer requirements.

ION SCV007

ION SCV007 was tasked with deploying the following payloads:

  • FUTURA-1 and FUTURA-3: A 3U and a 6U CubeSat, respectively, developed by NPC Spacemind. These satellites were designed to demonstrate NPC Spacemind's platforms and to test ARTICA, an innovative deorbiting sail device aimed at accelerating orbital decay times to address the growing issue of space debris. ([](

ION SCV008

ION SCV008 carried the following payloads:

  • FUTURA-1 and FUTURA-3: Similar to those on SCV007, these satellites were also developed by NPC Spacemind and intended to demonstrate the company's platforms and test the ARTICA deorbiting sail device. ([](

Significance of the Mission

The successful deployment of two ION Satellite Carriers on a single launch underscored D-Orbit's growing capabilities in the space logistics sector. This mission not only demonstrated the efficiency of the ION platform in handling multiple payloads but also highlighted the company's commitment to addressing critical issues such as space debris management. The inclusion of the ARTICA deorbiting sail device in the payloads reflects a proactive approach to mitigating the environmental impact of space operations. ([](

Conclusion

D-Orbit's seventh orbital transportation mission marked a significant advancement in the company's operational capabilities and its contributions to sustainable space operations. By successfully deploying two ION Satellite Carriers with diverse payloads, D-Orbit demonstrated the versatility and reliability of its ION platform. The mission's focus on innovative technologies like the ARTICA deorbiting sail device also highlights the industry's growing emphasis on addressing space debris and ensuring the long-term sustainability of space activities. As D-Orbit continues to expand its mission portfolio, it remains a key player in the evolving landscape of space logistics and satellite deployment services. ([](

Sources

  • D-Orbit — D-Orbit Launches two ION Satellite Carrier on its seventh orbital transportation mission —