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Spinoff story
Separation Device Launches New Science Payloads
A real-world story of NASA technology finding a life beyond the mission.
About this technology
Overview
Rockets typically come in stages, optimized for different parts of the launch. Ensuring each stage separates correctly is complicated and crucially important. The Interstellar Boundary Explorer spacecraft (IBEX) needed three separation devices. Silver Spring, Maryland-based Planetary Systems Corporation had a proven track record with their Lightband devices, so the Goddard Space Flight Center team called on them to build a lighter model that would work for IBEX. The resulting product completely replaced its predecessor and paved the way for the company to double in size.