Universidad Panamericana celebrates the granting, by the Mexican Institute of Industrial Property (IMPI), of Patent MX/a/2021/013383, corresponding 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 formats of CubeSats.
Mtro. Manuel Alejandro González Mendoza, who coordinated the patent review process and was part of the development team, explained that the motivation behind the project was to ensure maximum fidelity in scientific experiments conducted under microgravity conditions.
“The design ensures that the test sphere is placed 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 stands out for its ingenious system of two mobile walls that move in a synchronized manner and in opposite directions, actuated 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.
In contrast to pyrotechnic or thermal alternatives, which are commonly single-use, the solution developed at Universidad Panamericana offers a decisive advantage: reusability.
“This mechanism must operate repeatedly over a three-year mission. The ability to open and close the system as many times as necessary increases the safety and reliability of the experiment,” the coordinator stated.
A Collective Achievement and an Institutional Milestone
The path toward securing the patent was not without challenges. Mtro. González revealed that IMPI identified ambiguities in the nomenclature of components within 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 culminated in a solid technical file and the final granting of the patent.
This achievement is the result of a multidisciplinary effort. The inventors—students from Universidad Panamericana involved in the mechanical design and payload of the nanosatellite—worked under the guidance of Professor Carlos Daniel Laguna Juárez and in collaboration with specialists from institutions such as NASA and MIT.
“This collaboration made it possible to iterate the design, validate scientific requirements, and ensure that the mechanism met the demands of a real space environment,” he noted.
The patent represents a milestone for science and applied research at Universidad Panamericana, which actively promotes the training of Mexican talent capable of competing in high-technology sectors.
“It is the first patent derived from the nanosatellite design project, consolidating the university 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,” Mtro. González stated with pride.
UP Innovation in Space
With this advancement, Universidad Panamericana not only contributes to strengthening national technological capabilities in a high-impact field, but also inspires new generations.
Mtro. González Mendoza’s advice for those beginning this path is clear:
“Initiate the patent application process as early as possible and approach your institution’s intellectual property department to receive guidance and support.”
The Compact Release Mechanism for Nanosatellites represents not only a technological advance, but also a symbol of Universidad Panamericana’s commitment to innovation, scientific research, and space exploration.
Learn more about research projects at Universidad Panamericana:
https://www.up.edu.mx/investigacion-noticias/
