The Hook and Loop Hold Down and Release Mechanism was used during the launch of CBNT-2, Earth-i’s pre-production prototype satellite of its upcoming satellite constellation.

The new commercial constellation – called Vivid-i – will be the first of its kind to provide full-colour video; and the first European-owned constellation able to provide both video and still images.

The multiple satellites within the Vivid-i Constellation will significantly increase the ability of companies and institutions to monitor, track and analyse activities, patterns of life and changes at any location on earth.

The Hook and Loop Hold Down and Release Mechanism was funded by the UK Space Agency’s National Space Technology Programme with a £35,000 grant and developed by Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd. It is a new type of release mechanism which uses the dual lock type of Velcro to hold down and release the solar panels of the satellite.