The Nanoracks CubeSat Deployer (NRCSD) is a device to deploy CubeSats into orbit from the International Space Station (ISS). In 2014, two CubeSat deployers were on board the International Space Station (ISS): the Japanese Experiment Module (JEM) Small Satellite Orbital Deployer (J-SSOD) and the Nanoracks CubeSat Deployer (NRCSD). The J-SSOD is the first of its kind to deploy small satellites from the International Space Station (ISS). The NRCSD is the first commercially operated small satellite deployer from the ISS, maximizing full capabilities of each airlock cycle of deployments. CubeSats belong to a class of research spacecraft called nanosatellites. The basic cube-shaped satellites measure on each side, weigh less than , and have a volume of about , although there are CubeSats which are built and deployed with sizes of multiples of 10 cm in length. , one method of getting CubeSats to orbit is to transport them aboard a larger spacecraft as part of a cargo load to a larger space station. When this is done, deploying the CubeSats into orbit as a separate artificial satellite requires a special apparatus, such as the Nanoracks CubeSat Deployer. The NRCSD is put into position to be grabbed by one of the ISS's robotic arms, which then places the CubeSat deployer into the correct position externally mounted to the ISS to be able to release the miniature satellites into proper orbit. Background The International Space Station was designed to be used as both a microgravity laboratory, as well as a launch pad for low Earth orbit services. The Japanese Space Agency's (JAXA) Kibō ISS module includes a small satellite-deployment system called the J-SSOD. Nanoracks, via its Space Act Agreement with NASA, deployed a CubeSat using the J-SSOD. Seeing the emerging market demand for CubeSats, Nanoracks self-funded its own ISS deployer, with the permission of both NASA and JAXA. Nanoracks evolved away from the J-SSOD due to the small number of satellites that could be deployed in one airlock cycle and their desire to maximize the capacity of each airlock cycle. The J-SSOD used a full airlock cycle to only launch 6U. The Nanoracks CubeSat Deployer uses two airlock cycles, each holding 8 deployers. Each deployer is capable of holding 6U, allowing a total of 48U per airlock cycle. Deploying CubeSats from ISS has a number of benefits. Launching the vehicles aboard the logistics carrier of ISS visiting vehicle reduces the vibration and loads