A satellite deployment apparatus, comprising: a baseplate; opposing retention members configured to engage protrusions of a satellite and hold the satellite with respect to the baseplate; at least one pusher element configured to preload a deployment force on the satellite against the opposing retention members when the protrusions of the satellite are captive in the opposing retention members; an actuator system; and a deployment mechanism configured to spread the opposing retention members responsive to triggering by the actuator system, and release the protrusions of the satellite for deployment of the satellite away from the baseplate using at least the deployment force; characterised in that the deployment mechanism comprises: a hammer arm coupled to a hammer member, wherein the hammer member is held against a sear member, in a locked position, by an extension spring; wherein both the hammer member and the sear member are pivotably coupled to the baseplate; wherein the sear member is coupled to the actuator system, the sear member being configured to release the hammer member and hammer arm, when triggered by the actuator system, resulting in rotation of the combined structure of hammer member and hammer arm; and action bars coupled to the hammer arm and the opposing retention members, respectively, the action bars configured to move the opposing retention members responsive to the movement of the hammer arm. a baseplate; opposing retention members configured to engage protrusions of a satellite and hold the satellite with respect to the baseplate; at least one pusher element configured to preload a deployment force on the satellite against the opposing retention members when the protrusions of the satellite are captive in the opposing retention members; an actuator system; and a deployment mechanism configured to spread the opposing retention members responsive to triggering by the actuator system, and release the protrusions of the satellite for deployment of the satellite away from the baseplate using at least the deployment force; characterised in that the deployment mechanism comprises: a hammer arm coupled to a hammer member, wherein the hammer member is held against a sear member, in a locked position, by an extension spring; wherein both the hammer member and the sear member are pivotably coupled to the baseplate; wherein the sear member is coupled to the actuator system, the sear member being configured to release the hammer member and hammer arm, when triggered by the actuator system, resulting in rotation of the combined structure of hammer member and hammer arm; and action bars coupled to the hammer arm and the opposing retention members, respectively, the action bars configured to move the opposing retention members responsive to the movement of the hammer arm. a hammer arm coupled to a hammer member, wherein the hammer member is held against a sear member, in a locked position, by an extension spring; wherein both the hammer member and the sear member are pivotably coupled to the baseplate; wherein the sear member is coupled to the actuator system, the sear member being configured to release the hammer member and hammer arm, when triggered by the actuator system, resulting in rotation of the combined structure of hammer member and hammer arm; and action bars coupled to the hammer arm and the opposing retention members, respectively, the action bars configured to move the opposing retention members responsive to the movement of the hammer arm.