TPOD (Third Planet Orbital Deployer)

The TPOD (Third Planet Orbital Deployer) offers a novel means to inject a satellite into its target orbit, streamlining the complete satellite integration process from providing access to the satellite while housed in the TPOD, through to being transport-ready (ground and space) at first insertion.

TPO’s design approach is to streamline mass, manufacturing, and process to fundamentally reduce Total Cost of Ownership from integration 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. All mechanisms are latching, retained and redundant – engineered for reliability while remaining simple and easy to operate.

Key benefits:
– Control of Total Cost of Ownership: specific sizing means no parasitic mass; practicality and ease of use vastly reduce TCO from integration to launch.
– Fast and easy satellite installation: no bespoke tools or specialist training required; transport and launch ready upon satellite insertion; no on-site burden (no additional setting activities); maximised satellite access post-insertion.
– Deployment assurance: redundant release; redundant satellite presence detection; redundant ejection confirmation; self-latching exit.
– Envelope increases mission capabilities: derisks adverse effects on surface-mounted systems; end-face availability (not restricted to ‘tuna can’ volumes); increased payload capabilities.
– Intuitive Ground Support Equipment: TPO satellite insertion support and electrical test kit available on loan.
– ITAR-free componentry.
– Streamlines the mission critical path: standard integration and test increases confidence; eliminates reliance on specialist on-site personnel, simplifying the critical path to T=0.

The documented variant, TPOD-12XL, is sized for 12U-XL class satellites. TPO’s satellite bus range (6U/12U/16U/24U) indicates the TPOD family is designed to scale to match these bus sizes.