SPiN Announces the Successful Integration of SPiN-2 CubeSat Mission
- Giulia Federico
- Jun 30
- 3 min read
LUXEMBOURG — SPiN announces the successful integration of SPiN-2, an In-Orbit Demonstration (IOD) mission featuring a 3U CubeSat scheduled for launch no earlier than October 2025 aboard SpaceX's Transporter 15.
The SPiN-2 mission represents a significant milestone in demonstrating the capabilities of SPiN's innovative MA61C CubeSat plug-and-play solution, which will integrate without user intervention cutting-edge components such as Arca Dynamics's Space Situational Awareness (SSA) payload and List's directly printed sensors into a generic satellite platform.
Mission Overview
The SPiN-2 mission consists of a 3U CubeSat platform developed by German Orbital Systems (GOS) that will accommodate an advanced optical payload developed by ARCA Dynamics. List’s directly printed sensors, along with SPiN's proprietary hardware and software universal adapter, will serve as the critical interface between the platform and optical systems.
The satellite will operate in a circular Sun-Synchronous Orbit (SSO) at an altitude between 500-600 kilometres, with a nominal mission duration of up to six months and the possibility of extension for an additional year.
"The SPiN-2 mission demonstrates our commitment to revolutionising access to space through innovative, modular solutions," said Ran Qedar, CEO at SPiN. "Our MA61C platform represents true cost-effective manufacturing in the aerospace industry, and this mission will validate its capabilities in the demanding space environment."
Advanced Payload Technology
The mission's primary payload is ARCA Dynamics' SMART (Space Monitoring and Reconnaissance Technology) system, featuring two optical sensors and a dedicated processing unit designed to acquire and process images of space objects during specific orbital segments before transmitting data to ground stations.
Additionally, the mission will carry a secondary payload from LIST (Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology), featuring innovative flexible thermal strain gauges produced through additive manufacturing technology. These directly printed sensors will demonstrate advanced temperature and health monitoring capabilities for satellite components.
Strategic Partnerships
The SPiN-2 mission brings together a consortium of leading European space technology companies:
ARCA Dynamics: Providing the innovative SMART optical payload system
LIST: Contributing advanced additive manufacturing sensor technology
German Orbital Systems (GOS): Responsible for mission design, system engineering, spacecraft manufacturing, and operations
Exolaunch GmbH: Supplying launch services and deployment through their EXOpod Nova deployer system
Mission Timeline
The SPiN-2 mission has achieved several key milestones since its kickoff in June 2024:
Preliminary Design Review: Completed November 2024
Critical Design Review: Completed January 2025
Test Readiness Review: Completed May 2025
Launch Readiness Review: Completed June 2025
Launcher Integration: Scheduled September 2025
Launch: October 2025
Mission Operations: Through February 2026
Democratizing Space Access
SPiN's approach reflects a broader trend in the space industry toward modularisation and cost reduction. By developing universal adapter systems that allow different components to integrate seamlessly without user intervention, companies like SPiN are working to make space technology more accessible to a broader range of organisations and applications.
The success of SPiN-2 could pave the way for a new era of rapid, cost-effective satellite deployment, making space-based services more accessible to smaller companies, research institutions, and emerging markets worldwide.
As the space industry continues to evolve, missions like SPiN-2 serve as important stepping stones toward a more accessible and economically viable space economy.
The integration of advanced systems, innovative manufacturing techniques, and modular platform design represents the kind of technological convergence that could define the next decade of space exploration and commercialisation.
ESA ScaleUp INVEST Programme
SPiN-2 is being conducted under the European Space Agency (ESA) ScaleUp INVEST Element programme, which aims to accelerate the commercialisation of space technologies and drive innovation across Europe. The ScaleUp INVEST Marketplace facilitates business-to-business transactions, enabling emerging European industry to expand their operations and advance to the next level.
"We are incredibly grateful to ESA and the Luxembourg Space Agency for their support and trust in our vision," added Ran Qedar. "This project will allow us to validate our approach to simplifying and revolutionising space access through smart, modular solutions."
Looking Ahead
With launch just months away, the space industry will be watching closely to see how SPiN's vision for modular, plug-and-play satellite systems performs in the harsh space environment. This mission's success could mark the beginning of a new chapter for the space industry.
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