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NEA® Multi-Point Payload Release Module

The NEA® Payload Release Module is designed to mount, hold, and release a spacecraft from the launch vehicle upper stage. The PRM is designed to be used in a multi-point release system for spacecrafts up to 1,000 kg in mass.

The PRM utilizes the flight proven NEA® release devices as the primary release mechanism, integrating a load carrying interface, separation springs, a bolt extractor, and optional separation switch or separation connector to offer a turnkey dispensing mechanism that is ideal for multi-point satellite release. In a 4-point mount configuration, the PRM is designed to dispense payloads separating laterally or axially from a central dispensing structure with high simultaneity. The PRM is delivered fully preloaded, and no custom tools or on-site training are required for assembly, making integration into space platforms simple and efficient.

The PRM was first flown on the SpaceX Transporter-9 Rideshare mission in 2023. The PRM utilizes our low shock NEA hold down release mechanism with over 25 years of 100% flight success and over 15,000 actuations.

The PRM is an ultra-low shock, electrically initiated, single-shot, and factory refurbishable release mechanism that has the ability to carry a high tensile preload until commanded to release. The preload is applied through a release rod held in place by two separable spool halves which are in turn held together by tight winding of restraining wire. The restraint wire is held in place by redundant electrical fuse wires; actuation of either circuit allows release, assuring maximum reliability. When sufficient electrical current is applied, the restraint wire unwinds allowing the spool halves to separate releasing the release rod and the associated preload. The tunable separation springs provide the push off force to achieve the required separation velocity.

The PRM has a location to hold either a telemetry separation switch or 37 pin separation connector. The telemetry switch is commonly used to verify spacecraft separation from the launch vehicle, and the separation connector can be used for separation detection, ground power delivery or communications from the launch vehicle to the spacecraft.

  • Ultra-low release shock (<500 g)
  • Redundant actuation circuit
  • Can be operated with standard launch vehicle firing circuitry
  • Launch vehicle to payload connector interface
  • Non-explosive hold down & release function
  • No debris generation
  • High simultaneity of multiple hold-down points
  • Customizable separation velocity
  • Wide operating temperature range
  • Qualified to standard launch environments
  • Space-rated materials
  • Factory refurbishment available
  • NEA® HDRM with more than 25 years of flight heritage
  • Satellite and spacecraft dispensing
  • Launch vehicle and missile stage fairing separation
  • Missile payload separation

EBAD’s NEA® Payload Release Modules successfully dispense three (3) spacecrafts on the SpaceX Transporter-9 Rideshare mission.

Read Release

Technical Specifications
Parameter Capability
Axial Preload Up to 8,500 lbf
Axial Stiffness 2.02 E+6 lbf/in
Sheer Stiffness 9.0 E+5 lbf/in
Bending Stiffness 7.5 E+5 in-lbf/rad
Shock Output <300 g’s
Actuation Current 6 amp >6 amps
Firing Time/Release Time/Simultaneity 6 amp 15 ms / <20 ms / <7 ms
Actuation Current 3 amp (opposite PRMs wired in parallel) >3 Amps
Firing Time/Release Time/Simultaneity 3 amp  40 ms / <60 ms / <15 ms
Release Time <40 ms
Total Mass 3.6 lbm
Flyaway Mass 1.4 lbm
Temperature Range -40°C to +101°C
Total Spring Energy per PRM (configurable) 2.82 to 16.2 Joules

*Includes 1.25x qual margin to F9 RPUG environments margin to SpaceX Falcon 9 Rideshare Payload User Guide Environments. Contact EBAD for capabilities on other launch vehicle provider environments.

Parameter Capability
Axial Preload Up to 15,000 lbf
Axial Stiffness 9.28 E+5 lbf/in
Sheer Stiffness 5.98 E+6 lbf/in
Bending Stiffness 2.38 E+6 in-lbf/rad
Shock Output <500 g’s
Actuation Current 6 amp >6 Amps
Firing Time / Release Time / Simultaneity 6 amp 15 ms / <40 ms / <15 ms
Actuation Current 3 amp (opposite PRMs wired in parallel) >3 Amps
Firing Time / Release Time / Simultaneity 3 amp 45 ms / <80 ms / <20 ms
Release Time <50 ms
Total Mass 6.5 lbm
Flyaway Mass 1.8 lbm
Temperature Range -40°C to +101°C
Total Spring Energy per PRM (configurable) 5.04 to 40.12 Joules

*Includes 1.25x qual margin to F9 RPUG environments margin to SpaceX Falcon 9 Rideshare Payload User Guide Environments. Contact EBAD for capabilities on other launch vehicle provider environments.

Coming late 2025. Currently in designed phase.

NEA® Multi-Point Payload Release Module Accessories

(Please click the “+” below to learn more about product accessories)

EBAD offers multiple spring configurations. See EBAD user guide for more information.

Available Part Numbers and Their Energy

Product Part Number Spring Rate (lbf/in) Available Energy (J)
PRM 9103A F23748-1 5.9 2.82
F23748-2 18 5.46
F23748-3 41 8.1
F23748-4
(spring guide only)
Customer Supplied
PRM 9104A F23992-1 Reserved Reserved
F23992-2 25.6 10.03
F23992-3 4.6 5.04
F23992-4 Customer Supplied

Custom options are available by request and may include stroke changes, custom springs, custom material, and customer provided hardware.

EBAD uses a standard MIL-PRF-8805 microswitch enclosure design. This can be wired to normally open or normally closed positions. The switch can be mounted on the spacecraft/payload or dispenser side. This accessory comes with mounting hardware (fasteners, nuts, mounting bracket). The switch is rated to 3A at 28VDC, the assembly (bracket, fasteners, nuts but no wires) weighs 0.06 lbs the electrical schematic is shown below:

The PRM was first flown on the SpaceX Transporter-9 Rideshare mission in 2023. The PRM utilizes our low shock NEA hold down release mechanism with over 25 years of 100% flight success and over 15,000 actuations.

EBAD’s Separation 37-Pin Connector (F23816-1) is a custom-designed, self-aligning, EMI sealed, passive force (<11 N), 37-pin connector. It is designed to integrate seamlessly with our Payload Release Rings, or Payload Release Module. This accessory comes with mounting hardware (fasteners, nuts, shims, NO wires) and weighs 0.1251bs. The connector comes without wires, it has 37 contacts that are #24 AWG solder cups. The contact resistance between each pair is 0.024 Ω, with a 7 amp rating per pair at 30°C.

The PRM was first flown on the SpaceX Transporter-9 Rideshare mission in 2023. The PRM utilizes our low shock NEA hold down release mechanism with over 25 years of 100% flight success and over 15,000 actuations.

For more information:


    If you would like to request an STP file or the Operator's Manual, select below.
    *Commercial Item per FAR 2.101