OHB LuxSpace's microsatellite ESAIL, built under an ESA Partnership Project with the Canadian operator exactEarth, launched on September 3rd onboard the Arianespace Vega VV16. The payload, an AIS (automatic identification system) receiver for ship detection from space, is powered by two solar panel wings. Successful activation of the Hold Down and Release Mechanisms (HDRMs) and deployment of the solar panels was confirmed shortly after launch, providing full power to the onboard systems. The satellite will undergo commissioning over the next few months before being brought into service.

The HDRMs designed by Oxford Space Systems (OSS) for this mission are cup cone and bolt catcher style mechanisms. Flying on their first mission, OSS is proud to have gained heritage for another unique piece of innovative space hardware. Multiple commercial inquiries for HDRMs have already been received in wake of the successful deployment, highlighting the growing range of hardware applications and capabilities available from the OSS team.