On 17 October, during IAC 2024 week in Milan, SPiN and Sodern announced a partnership for an in-orbit demonstration (IOD) mission scheduled to launch in 2025.
The mission will test the combined capabilities of SPiN's MA61C-Cubesat unit and Sodern's Auriga™ star tracker in space.
The MA61C-Cubesat, developed by SPiN, will host the updated version of Sodern's Auriga™ software, ensuring seamless management of the Auriga™ optical system. This modular approach highlights the value of SPiN’s plug-and-play adapter, the MA61C, showing interoperability and universality when it is connected to a satellite.
"This collaboration with Sodern reflects our ongoing commitment to innovation," said Ran Qedar, CEO of SPiN. “Combining the MA61C-CubeSat unit with Sodern's proven Auriga™ star tracker demonstrates how modularity provides more capabilities for components suppliers and their customers."
SPiN will oversee the integration and testing of the unit, combining the MA61C-Cubesat with the Auriga™ Star Tracker, to ensure it is flight-ready.
The Auriga™ star tracker is a market-leading component for satellites up to 500 kg and one of the most widely deployed in space, with over 1,200 units currently in orbit and a 100% success rate. Its low cost and exceptional reliability make it ideal for small satellite missions like this one.
SPiN is planning to launch two additional missions in 2025, and this partnership highlights the increasing importance of modularity in satellite manufacturing, optimising both production time and costs, increasing efficiency and affordability.