Microsatellite Platforms: High-Performance, Compact, Scalable Buses (15–120 kg)

SFL Missions designs, builds and operates low-cost, high-performance microsatellites ranging in size from 15 to 120 kg and carrying up to 90-kg payloads. Microsatellites are highly versatile and capable of carrying multiple instruments to fulfill a variety of missions, such as Earth observation, atmospheric monitoring, ship tracking, communication, radio frequency (RF) geolocation, space astronomy and other scientific research.

NEMO, DEFIANT and DEFIANT-XL are our primary microsatellite platforms: NEMO is a workhorse platform that has been used to develop many successful operational missions. Able to carry up to 12 kg and compatible with the SFL Missions XPOD deployer, NEMO is designed to accommodate pre-deployed appendages, such as solar panels and antennas. Pre-deploying equipment in this way before launch reduces mission risk – an advantage of the XPOD over standard CubeSat dispensers.

DEFIANT is our most popular mid-size microsatellite platform offering a balance between minimizing launch cost while having ample room for payloads up to 30 kg for more demanding missions. This platform is ideally suited for missions requiring compact design without sacrificing performance and scalability.

DEFIANT-XL expands on the DEFIANT platform and can carry payloads up to 120 kg. An example of a DEFIANT-XL mission is Aspera.