FlyMate™ is a nano satellite deployer. It is an interface between the Launch Vehicle and the nano-satellites and it remains attached to the Launch Vehicle during and after the mission.

Added-value for Clients

FlyMate™ is an advanced nanosatellite deployer – it is based on a motorized mechanism, which allows inserting its passengers to orbit sequentially and separately at adjustable speeds and temporizations.

At present, there exists two versions of the FlyMate™:
SV: a compact version that can carry 1 nanosatellite fitting the CubeSat 3U form factor (10x10x35 cm3) or equivalent
LV: a standard version that can carry different configurations of passengers:

• 1x CubeSat 3U (and up to 420mm long)
• 1x CubeSat 1U + 1x CubeSat 2U
• 3x CubeSat 1U

The innovative nature of the ejection mechanism allows to space out the passengers within the FlyMate™ structure. This permits the satellite developers to include protruding elements within the satellite design, both in lateral and longitudinal direction. Please contact us for more details.

Interfaces with Launch Vehicle

The interfaces between the FlyMate™ and the Launch Vehicle were designed to be as simple as possible and are composed of:

• 1x DB15 electrical connector
• 10x M8 taped holes

The deployer is energy autonomous and carries its own batteries necessary for the passengers’ orbit injection. Its structure is entirely smooth and no element protrudes from the FlyMate™ - both during the static configuration and during the ejection phase.

The FlyMate™ handling is simple and straightforward – there are no particular precautions to take during the pre-launch preparation activities as well as during the installation of the equipment on the Launch Vehicle.

FlyMate™ does not make use of any pyrotechnic materials.

FlyMate™ is not ITAR restricted.

Applications

The FlyMate™ innovative ejection mechanism is perfectly fit for Formation Flying and Constellation missions. For the standard version of the deployer, the ejection speed can be adjusted between 0.5 and 2 m/s while the temporization between ejections can go from few seconds up to 12 hours.
Depending on the configuration of FlyMate™ on the Launch Vehicle (ejection direction), different mission topologies can be considered. An example of a Formation Flying mission deployment can be seen on the nearby simulation.

Quality Assurance

A particular attention has been put to render the FlyMate™ a fully industrial product with associated documentation. Four prototypes have been realized during the product development process. Furthermore, the environmental qualification process according to ECSS standards has been carried out and was composed of:

• Vibrations & Shocks tests
• Thermal Vacuum tests
• Microgravity tests

Moreover, 1600 functional tests have been carried out in order to characterize the behavior of the FlyMate™ in diverse conditions.

Customizations

NovaNano is able to provide customized versions of the FlyMate™. The length of the deployer can be easily adapted for example for (1 x 4U), 2 x 2U), (4 x 1U), (1x1U + 1 x 3U) CubeSats. The interior of the FlyMate™ can be adapted for Client’s specific needs such as: particular antenna or solar panel deployment systems. Finally, the FlyMate™ mechanism can be adapted to different sizes of satellites.