ARQUIMEA is advancing spacecraft deployment technology with the REACT Hold-Down & Release Mechanisms (HDRM) and space actuators, a family of 5 kN, 15 kN and 35 kN space-qualified mechanisms designed to securely hold payloads during transportation and launch and release them through electrical activation once the spacecraft reaches its required orbital position. Based on Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) technology, the mechanisms are non-explosive, low-shock and manually resettable in the field, enabling spacecraft manufacturers to test and integrate them before launch and reset them without dismounting or refurbishment.
REACT is available with two motorization options based on TiNi or SMARQ Shape Memory Alloys. The mechanism uses a two-stage architecture comprising a structural assembly that safely withstands external loads and a trigger assembly that transforms the system into a bistable structure to release the main bolt. Electrical activation converts energy into heat to induce the Shape Memory Alloy transformation, while a redundant SMA trigger with two independent initiators provides additional release reliability. The electrical interface is customizable and the mechanisms are compatible with standard electrical interfaces.
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The HDRMs are designed for demanding space environments, with less than 1300 g shock at maximum load, an operating temperature range of -90°C to +125°C and space-qualified parts and materials. The mechanisms can be reset in seconds, with no need for dismounting or refurbishment, allowing users to check and test their performance and integration directly on the spacecraft platform. REACT also supports near-simultaneous release of multiple hold-down points, three standard mechanical interfaces and custom configurations on request.
ARQUIMEA’s mechanisms and actuators support a broad range of spacecraft applications, including the hold-down and release of deployable solar arrays, antennas, booms and masts, reflectors, cover doors, scientific instruments, shutter mechanisms, large structures, gimbal launch locks, thrusters, stage separation systems and caging mechanisms. The company also provides a resettable solar-array deployment mechanism combining an HDRM and hinge, while its complete solar-array deployment architecture integrates HDRM, cup-cone and hinge components. These solutions allow spacecraft developers to test deployment mechanisms on the ground while retaining reset capability for integration and testing.
The technology is positioned as a fully European solution for spacecraft release and deployment applications, combining non-explosive operation with low shock, redundant SMA actuation, field reset capability and configurable interfaces. The availability of three load-retention classes 5 kN, 15 kN and 35 kN allows the REACT family to address different spacecraft and payload requirements, while the temperature capability and space-qualified construction support operation in demanding orbital environments.
ARQUIMEA’s REACT portfolio therefore provides spacecraft manufacturers with a flexible approach to critical retention and deployment functions where reliability, low shock, testing flexibility and simplified servicing are important. By combining resettable HDRMs, SMA-based actuators, redundant triggering, multiple mechanical interfaces and complete solar-array deployment solutions, ARQUIMEA is addressing deployment requirements across satellites and other space systems.
About ARQUIMEA
ARQUIMEA is a technology company developing and manufacturing solutions for demanding aerospace, defense, biotechnology, big science and other advanced technology applications. The space portfolio includes mechanisms and actuators, satellite deployment systems, space-grade electronics and integrated circuits and thermal technologies. Within the mechanisms and actuators portfolio, ARQUIMEA develops the REACT family of 5 kN, 15 kN and 35 kN space-qualified HDRMs, alongside customized deployment solutions for satellite manufacturers and other space missions.
