Track Record and
International Recognition
A New Model of Space Development
Built on Collaboration Across Academia, Research, and Industry.
At the forefront of this evolution,
MBF demonstrates proven reliability in orbit.
MBF has been featured in NASA’s latest State-of-the-Art Technology Report.
Ishitoshi’s MBF has been recognized for its innovative monolithic machined structure design and has been continuously featured since the 2021 edition of NASA’s Small Spacecraft Technology State of the Art Report.
Source:State-of-the-Art Small Spacecraft Technology report
※This reference reflects recognition as a technology case study and does not imply product adoption by NASA.
MBF Adoption Record
MBF Adopted for
Shizuoka University’s STARS-Me2 Mission
Shizuoka University
STARS-Me2 Project
Deployed from the International Space Station “Kibo”
on September 19, 2025.
MBF-1U Mk-2 configuration adopted.
MBF Adopted for the e-kagaku Project / IWATO
e-kagaku Space Satellite Project
Deployed from the International Space Station “Kibo”
on October 10, 2025
MBF-1U configuration adopted.
Flight Heritage
MBF has been adopted for both the Shizuoka University STARS project and the e-kagaku Space Satellite Project, and has established flight heritage through successful deployment from the International Space Station “Kibo”.
Designed to
lead your mission to success
The design philosophy of MBF is the integration of
lightweight design, strength, and high precision.
Ishitoshi Machining has developed the MBF (Mono Base Frame), a monolithic structure machined from a single block of aluminum for CubeSat-class spacecraft.
Repeatability Enabled by a Monolithic Machined Structure
Our commitment to machining from a single aluminum block is not driven solely by weight reduction, strength, or appearance. By adopting a monolithic structure, the original design intent can be faithfully reproduced while minimizing variability caused by manufacturing batches or assembly processes. Reducing the number of precision-critical parts allows the structure to maintain rigidity and accuracy, while significantly improving overall repeatability.
Key Features and Benefits of MBF
Reduced Number of Components
Conventional segmented structures require precise assembly of multiple parts. MBF is machined as a single piece from an aluminum block, significantly reducing the total number of components.
No Precision Adjustment Required
Segmented structures often require alignment adjustments during assembly. MBF eliminates the need for such precision tuning.
Shorter Design Time
While segmented structures offer design flexibility, they require significant design effort.Using MBF streamlines structure design, allowing engineers to focus more on mission payload development.
Compliant with CubeSat Standards
MBF is compatible with standard CubeSat deployers such as J-SSOD. Compatibility with other deployer systems can also be achieved with minimal customization.
High-Precision Machining Technology Behind MBF
Flexibility Is the Key to Rapid
Response on the Factory Floor
The quality of MBF is supported by the precision machining expertise Ishitoshi Machining has cultivated over many years. MBF is manufactured using state-of-the-art high-precision 5-axis machining centers. Even when design changes occur, no new molds or tooling are required. This flexibility represents the rapid responsiveness developed through hands-on manufacturing on the factory floor.
MBF Configurations
MBF is available in multiple frame configurations to match satellite size and mission requirements.
MBF Configurations
| Primary Structure Specifications for CubeSat Deployers (J-SSOD Compatible) | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Appearance |
|
|
|
|
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| Model | MBF-1U | MBF-2U | MBF-3U | MBF-W6U | ||
| Manufacturing Method |
Monolithic Machined Structure | |||||
| Material | Aluminum Alloy (A7075-T7351 or equivalent) | |||||
| Frame Dimen-sions |
X (mm) | 100 | 100 | 100 | 100 | 100 |
| Y (mm) | 100 | 100 | 100 | 226.3 | 226.3 | |
| Z (mm) | 113.5 | 227 | 340.5 | 340.5 | 366 | |
| Reference Mass (g) | 150 | 249 | 372 | 420 | TBD | |
| Surface Treatment | Hard Anodizing | |||||
| Notes | Three deployment switch mounting locations Integrated separation spring functionality |
|||||
MBF comes standard with deployment switch interfaces and
separation spring features.
MBF Full and Semi-Order
Customization
MBF Expandability
Full and Semi-Order
Customization Available
We build an MBF tailored to your mission.
MBF supports full-order manufacturing starting from a single unit. The structure can be freely customized to match specific mission requirements. For projects prioritizing shorter lead times or cost efficiency, semi-order customization is also available. By adding only the necessary featuressuch as mounting holes for circuit boards or payload componentsto a standard MBF frame, a wide range of missions can be supported with minimal modification. The standard lead time is as short as three weeks after design finalization.
Semi-Order ExampleReflector Integration
Based on a standard configuration, selected dimensions or features can be modified. Examples include adjusting screw locations to accommodate off-the-shelf components or locally removing material to avoid interference with mounted equipment. Such minor modifications can be handled through semi-order customization.
Semi-Order Customization
Semi-order customization based on existing MBF configurations
Full-Order
ExampleIntegration of Commercial
Components (Radio Unit)
When significant changes are required due to payload size or layout constraints, full-order customization is available. The basic design is provided by the customer, while manufacturing-driven recommendations for shapes and dimensions are proposed from a production perspective.
Full-Order Customization
Full-order design based on mission requirements
Assembly Concept
Mounting equipment on MBF is achieved by attaching brackets to the frame. By mounting circuit boards and components in a suspended configuration within the frame, a wide variety of devices such as sensors and electronic unitscan be integrated.
Bracket Fabrication Example
Side Panel Fabrication Example
MBF also supports the fabrication of custom components such as side
panels and brackets. Because the assembly with the frame can be verified
in-house, potential issues can be identified at an early stage. This allows
any impact on the project schedule to be kept to a minimum.
Delivery Process
Phase1
- Design (by Customer)
-
Verification
(Review & Re-Release
of Drawings)
Phase2
- Machining
-
Surface
Treatment - Delivery
Phase1
Drawing Release & Verification
Typical duration: from 2 weeks
Timing may vary depending on the schedule for confirmation and drawing revisions.
Phase2
Finalization of Geometry
Shipment possible in as little as 3 weeks
After final geometry is confirmed, machining, inspection, and finishing are carried out as an integrated process.
Notes
Structural design is performed by the customer. Ishitoshi Machining reviews the submitted drawings to confirm manufacturability. Once the final geometry is approved, machining begins, and the standard production lead time is approximately three weeks.