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 . <EOS>