06 Missions & projects

Flown, flying and in build.

Modularity has to survive contact with a launch vehicle. These are the missions where MA61C left the bench: a 1U demonstrator, a 3U technology mission, a re-entry capsule and a star-tracker demonstration.

First flight
SPiN-1 · SpaceX Transporter-5 · May 2022
Latest heritage
MA61C onboard PHOENIX 1 · April 2025
In progress
SPiN-2 · Auriga IOD · Modular ADCS · PPIS

Missions

Four spacecraft.

Artistic reconstruction of SPiN-1 in orbit Completed

M01

SPiN-1

The first in-orbit demonstration of MA61C — a 1U CubeSat assembled from off-the-shelf components.

Launch
25 May 2022 · SpaceX Transporter-5
Goal
Demonstrate MA61C in orbit and the benefits of modular assembly with COTS parts
MA61C version
CubeSat
Size
1U CubeSat
Orbit
300–500 km
Partners
Telespazio Germany · AAC Clyde Space · Crystal Space · NewSpace Systems · TU München

Credits: SPiN

SPIN-1 launched into orbit!
SPiN-1 released into orbit from the Exolaunch dispenser
Credits: SpaceX webcast
SPiN-2 CubeSat during integration Integrated

M02

SPiN-2

A 3U CubeSat carrying a space situational awareness payload and additively manufactured thermal strain gauges.

Launch
19 November 2025
Goal
Demonstrate MA61C with an SSA payload from ARCA Dynamics and flexible thermal strain gauges from LIST
MA61C version
CubeSat
Size
3U CubeSat
Partners
ARCA Dynamics · LIST · German Orbital System · Exolaunch

Credits: SPiN

Successful integration of SPiN-2
SPiN-2 integration campaign
Credits: SPiN
ATMOS Space Cargo Phoenix return capsule Flight heritage

M03

PHOENIX

Two MA61C units flew as the main computer and remote terminal unit of a re-entry capsule.

Customer
ATMOS Space Cargo
Spacecraft
Phoenix return capsule
Goal
Main computer and RTU, controlling accelerometers, pressure and temperature sensors, and a camera
Flight
02:48 CET, 22 April 2025

Credits: ATMOS Space Cargo

MA61C achieves flight heritage onboard PHOENIX 1
Sodern Auriga star tracker Ongoing

M04

AURIGA IOD

A 1U in-orbit demonstration testing MA61C and Sodern’s Auriga star tracker together in the space environment.

Status
Ongoing
Goal
Test the combined capabilities of MA61C and Auriga in space
Size
1U CubeSat
Partner
Sodern

Credits: Sodern

SPiN and Sodern join forces
Auriga IOD CubeSat in orbit
Credits: SPiN

Projects

Two programmes on the way.

Modular ADCS on the test bench Ongoing · TRL 6

Modular ADCS

The first closed-loop, standalone attitude determination and control system for small satellites, built on a modular design.

Goal
Reach TRL 6 with a closed-loop, standalone ADCS
Applications
Earth observation · telecommunications · space transportation
Partners
European Space Agency · GMV

Credits: SPiN

Advancing SPiN’s Modular ADCS →
ESA PPIS contract illustration 12-month study

Programmable payload interface system

A universal plug-and-play adapter with an integrated operating system, capable of hosting complex applications on orbit.

Goal
Design a universal adapter with an integrated OS
Applications hosted
Artificial intelligence · machine learning · blockchain · quantum encryption
Programme
ESA and Italian Space Agency, ARTES AGILE

Credits: ESA

New ESA contract for MA61C modularity →

Next step

Fly a modular bus on your mission.

Whether it is a 1U demonstrator or a re-entry capsule, the interface work is the same. Tell us the mission and we will tell you where MA61C fits.