Japanese Experiment Module (JEM) Small Satellite Orbital Deployer (J-SSOD) is a mechanism for deploying small satellites designed in accordance with CubeSat design specification (10cm×10cm×10cm) that transfers the satellites from the Japanese Experiment Module Kibo’s airlock to space environment and releases them on orbit. 1U, 2U and 3U cubesat as well as 50kg microsat can be deployed by J-SSOD.
Compared with satellites launched by rockets, J-SSOD mission has the following advantages.
- Launch condition is not severe (since they are launched as part of pressurized cargo to the ISS, launch condition such as vibration is loose.)
- More opportunity for launches (various ISS visiting vehicles can be used.)
- After the launch, ISS crew can perform the checkout (realizes more reliable mission.)
SpooQy-1: Singapore nanosatellite goes into orbit
SpooQy-1 was launched by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency to the International Space Station in April 2019, and then deployed into orbit on June 17, 2019. It will demonstrate – in a world first for a nanosatellite – a physical phenomenon known as “quantum entanglement” in space. This brainchild of the Centre for Quantum Technologies (CQT) at the National University of Singapore was launched through the Kibo module in partnership with Singapore Space and Technology Ltd.