Universidad Panamericana the granting by the Mexican Institute of Industrial Property (IMPI) of Patent MX/a/2021/013383, relating to the Compact Release Mechanism for Nanosatellites.
This technology, developed entirely at Universidad Panamericana, addresses a critical challenge for scientific research in space: holding, protecting, and releasing test masses with extreme precision within the very small form factors of CubeSats.
Manuel Alejandro González Mendoza, M.Sc., who coordinated the patent review process and was part of the development team, explained that the motivation behind the project was to ensure maximum accuracy in scientific experiments conducted under microgravity conditions.
“The design ensures that the test sphere is positioned exactly at the center of the chamber, allowing for precise and repeatable measurements from a standardized starting point,” he emphasized.
UP-Stamped Innovation: Simplicity, Efficiency, and Reusability
The patented mechanism is notable for its ingenious system of two movable walls that move in a synchronized manner and in opposite directions, driven by a single motor and a gear train.
“Using a single motor reduces synchronization complexity compared to two-motor designs and decreases energy consumption, mass, and volume—factors that are critical in a nanosatellite,” explained Mtro. González Mendoza.
Unlike pyrotechnic or thermal alternatives, which are typically single-use, the solution developed at Universidad Panamericana a key advantage: reusability.
“This mechanism must be activated repeatedly over the course of a three-year mission. The ability to open and close the system as many times as necessary enhances the safety and reliability of the experiment,” the coordinator stated.
A Collective Achievement and an Institutional Milestone
The path to securing the patent was not without challenges. Mr. González revealed that IMPI had identified ambiguities in the terminology used to describe components in the technical documentation.
“It was necessary to correct that labeling to ensure that each component was clearly identified in both the description and the illustrations,” he explained—a meticulous process that resulted in a comprehensive technical file and the eventual granting of the patent.
This achievement is the result of a multidisciplinary effort. The inventors—students from Universidad Panamericana on the mechanical design and payload of the nanosatellite—were guided by Professor Carlos Daniel Laguna Juárez and collaborated with specialists from institutions such as NASA and MIT.
“This collaboration made it possible to refine the design, validate scientific requirements, and ensure that the mechanism could withstand the rigors of a real space environment,” he noted.
The patent marks a milestone for science and applied research at Universidad Panamericana, which actively promotes the training of Mexican talent capable of competing in high-tech sectors.
“This is the first patent resulting from the nanosatellite design project, cementing the university’s status as an official and active participant in aerospace education and development in Mexico, and supporting its growth as an institution that drives technological innovation in this sector,” Mr. González stated with pride.
UP Innovation in Space
With this advancement, Universidad Panamericana only helps strengthen the country’s technological capabilities in a high-impact field, but also inspires new generations.
Mr. González Mendoza’s advice for those embarking on this path is clear:
“Start the patent application process as early as possible and contact your institution’s intellectual property department for guidance and support.”
The Compact Release Mechanism for Nanosatellites represents not only a technological advance, but also a symbol of Universidad Panamericanacommitment to innovation, scientific research, and space exploration.
Learn more about research projects at Universidad Panamericana:
https://www.up.edu.mx/investigacion-noticias/
