There are several ways small satellites can be deployed from the ISS: NRCSD (NanoRacks CubeSat Deployer), J-SSOD (JEM - Small Satellite Orbital Deployer), SSIKLOPS (Space Station Integrated Kinetic Launcher for Orbital Payload Systems), Bishop, and manually during a spacewalk (EVA).

When using NRCSD, one or two pods, containing up to three Cubesats each, are placed on the deployment mechanism in the airlock of the JEM (Japanese Experiments Module, KIBO). The Japanese manipulator arm on the outside of the JEM, retrieves the deployment mechanism from the airlock and points the pods towards the aft of the ISS, at about 30 degrees below the horizon. At the required deployment time, the door of a pod is opened and the Cubesats are pushed out of the pod by a spring.

Actually 11 deployments from the ISS are planned in the coming weeks, involving up to 29 satellites (details to be announced). You can witness these deployments live on a JAXA Youtube channel.

73, Nico PA0DLO

On 21-06-2023 00:23, Brian Wilkins via AMSAT-BB wrote:

I recently became interested in learning about how the ISS launches the cubesats that arrive on the NanoRacks.

Where do they launch the cubesats from on the ISS?

Also, when a cubesat leaves the ISS, and it likely has no propulsion to prevent orbital decay, how long are the ISS TLEs relevant to the CubeSats position? Days weeks? -- 73, ko4aqf@gmail.com

---

Sent via AMSAT-BB(a)amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions expressed are solely those of the author, and do not reflect the official views of AMSAT-NA. Acceptable Use and Privacy Policies available athttps://www.amsat.org/about-amsat/

View archives of this mailing list at https://mailman.amsat.org/hyperkitty/list/amsat-bb@amsat.org To unsubscribe send an email to amsat-bb-leave(a)amsat.org Manage all of your AMSAT-NA mailing list preferences athttps://mailman.amsat.org