Satellite withstands 10,000 G thanks to “small modifications”

Engineers were surprised to discover that the satellite survived the extreme acceleration.

Published: December 12, 2024

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In a recent test, California-based SpinLaunch successfully accelerated a Portland State University satellite to 10,000 G using its innovative centrifugal launch technology , without causing damage to key components. This breakthrough highlights the feasibility of launching satellites without traditional rockets and opens up new possibilities for a more economical and sustainable future in space exploration.

SpinLaunch and its partnership with Portland State University

In collaboration with Portland State University’s OreSat program, SpinLaunch has achieved a breakthrough in satellite robustness. The collaboration allowed a 1U CubeSat , designed by OreSat , to be subjected to an extreme acceleration of 10,000 Gs. To achieve this, SpinLaunch and OreSat made a number of key modifications to the satellite’s original design, ensuring that components such as the solar cells , battery pack, and electronic circuitry could withstand the extreme forces.

1U CubeSat satellite that was accelerated — SpinLaunch engineers doubted that a satellite could withstand such a level of acceleration. Source: SpinLaunch

One of the most innovative adjustments was the use of glue on critical components to ensure they would not come loose during acceleration. Additionally, the battery cells were aligned with the G-vector to ensure they behaved like columns under compression, allowing them to withstand the forces without damage . A carbon fiber tube was used to reinforce the battery pack, following techniques similar to those NASA uses to protect its battery systems in extreme conditions.

1U CubeSat satellite successfully accelerated

The successful test, in addition to validating SpinLaunch’s technology, opens the door to a future with cheaper and less polluting space launches . Instead of relying on expensive and polluting rockets, SpinLaunch uses a centrifugal catapult that accelerates satellites through rotation to high speeds. This technology significantly reduces costs and carbon footprint, making it an attractive option for space missions.

Catapult for satellites — Test validates SpinLaunch technology. Source: SpinLaunch

SpinLaunch engineers were pleasantly surprised by the satellite’s strength, as they had not expected the components to be able to withstand extreme forces with so few modifications. In their own words:

We had no idea you could spin up to 10,000 G’s and survive. We were surprised at how little modification we had to do. We were expecting to have a brick of epoxy filled with floodwaters, right?

This simplicity in design reinforces the viability of the technology, which could be replicable in future missions.

What’s next?

This breakthrough is just the beginning for SpinLaunch. The company continues to prove that satellites can be far more resilient than most thought, paving the way for future space missions without the need for traditional fueled launches. With the validation of its technology, SpinLaunch is getting closer to its goal of making access to space cheaper, more efficient, and more sustainable.

Watch this video to see the process used to “reinforce” the satellite.