Glasgow, UK - Feb 27th, 2024 - Alba Orbital, the world’s leading PocketQube launch services provider, is proud to announce the signing of a multi-launch contract with Hello Space Systems, building upon the success of Hello Space’s previous mission, ‘Istanbul’. This contract signifies a significant step forward in Hello Space’s commitment to advancing their Internet of Things (IoT) constellation.

Following the successful launch of ‘Istanbul’ aboard SpaceX’s Transporter-8 mission in June 2023, Hello Space returned to Alba Orbital for their next phase of satellite deployment. 'Istanbul' served as Hello Space Systems' inaugural PocketQube satellite mission, demonstrating advanced technology and capabilities essential for their upcoming IoT constellation.

PocketQubes are miniature satellites, typically measuring just 5 centimetres per side and weighing less than 250 grams per unit (or ‘p’). Despite their small size, these tiny satellites offer a cost-effective and versatile platform for a wide range of space-based applications. Their compact form factor enables efficient deployment and scalability, making them ideal for building satellite constellations.

Under the multi-launch agreement, Alba Orbital will deliver four 3p PocketQubes (5 x 5 x 15cm), dedicated to expanding Hello Space Systems' commercial IoT constellation, to a Sun Synchronous orbit via SpaceX’s Falcon 9 launch vehicle in 2024 and 2025. Leveraging the success of 'Istanbul,' Hello Space Systems aims to further enhance connectivity and data services worldwide.

"We are thrilled to work alongside Hello Space again and to continue to help them achieve their orbital ambitions," said Tom Walkinshaw, CEO of Alba Orbital. "PocketQubes offer unparalleled advantages in terms of cost-effectiveness, versatility, and scalability, making them an ideal platform for driving innovation in satellite technology."

“From the initial consultation to the flawless execution during the Istanbul mission campaign, Alba Orbital showcased exceptional technical competence and efficiency”, said Muzaffer Duysal, CEO of Hello Space Systems. “We are delighted to have chosen Alba Orbital as our launch service provider once again, and we look forward to embarking on these new and exciting missions together”.

Alba Orbital is the leading provider of PocketQube satellite rideshare services, having delivered 41 satellites to orbit to date with launch partners such as SpaceX and Rocket Lab. With a focus on accessibility and reliability, Alba Orbital empowers organizations worldwide to realize their space exploration goals.

About Alba Orbital

Alba Orbital (UK, USA, Germany) is the world’s leading PocketQube company that has delivered 41 pico-satellites on-orbit to date. Alba is a vertically integrated NewSpace company ‘democratising access to space’, providing turnkey solutions from advanced pico-satellite platforms, low-cost launch opportunities, and ground station services. Alba has worked with over 30 customers across three continents, including prestigious clients such as Stanford University, Carnegie Mellon University and TU Delft.

About Hello Space Systems Teknoloji Anonim Şirketi

Founded in 2022, Hello Space Systems from Ankara, Turkey is aiming to be pioneers of the PocketQube satellite technologies. Hello Space Systems is at the heart of the space applications development community at METU Technocity Ankara. Hello Space Systems also works closely with other stakeholders involved in space applications with an additional office in Istanbul, and our network includes developers and collaborators from all over the world. Hello Space Systems is a company that aims to take data communication to a different dimension by sending PocketQubeSatellites out of this world.

Source: Alba Orbital

Kris Christiaens's Avatar

Kris Christiaens

This article was published by FutureSpaceFlight founder and chief editor Kris Christiaens. Kris Christiaens has been passionate and fascinated by spaceflight and space exploration all his life and has written hundreds of articles on space projects, the commercial space industry and space missions over the past 20 years for magazines, books and websites. In late 2021, he founded the website FutureSpaceFlight with the goal of promoting new space companies and commercial space projects and compiling news of these start-ups and companies on one website.