CubeSat

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CP-1, CalPoly Cubesat
CP-1, CalPoly Cubesat
Ncube-2, a Norwegian Cubesat
Ncube-2, a Norwegian Cubesat

A CubeSat is a type of space research picosatellite with dimensions of 10×10×10 centimetres (i.e., a volume of exactly one litre), weighing no more than one kilogram, and typically using commercial off-the-shelf electronics components.

Developed through joint efforts, California Polytechnic State University and Stanford University introduced the CubeSat to academia as a way for universities throughout the world to enter the realm of space science and exploration.

Currently, a large number of universities and some companies and other organizations around the world are actively developing CubeSats [1]. With their relatively small size, CubeSats can be made and launched for an estimated US$65,000–80,000 each (2004 US dollars). This low price tag, as compared to most satellite launches, has made Cubesat a viable option for schools and universities across the world. Most CubeSats carry one or two scientific instruments as their primary missions payload. A few CubeSat projects have limited propulsion systems; for example, the CubeSat project of the University of Illinois uses an array of small ion thrusters.


Contents

[edit] Launch history

[edit] 2003

On 30 June 2003, five university CubeSats and one commercial CubeSat were launched on a Rockot rocket from Russia’s Plesetsk launch site. The launch was executed by Eurockot Launch Services GmbH of Bremen, Germany. The CubeSats on board were:

[edit] 2005

On 27 October 2005, a Kosmos-3M launch vehicle launched from Plesetsk carried three CubeSats into orbit on the SSETI Express mission. The CubeSats on board were:

[edit] 2006

On 21 February, a M-V launch vehicle launched from Uchinoura, Japan carried a single CubeSat into orbit, namely:

On July 26, 14 Cubesats from 11 universities, as well as a private company, were to be launched aboard a DNEPR Rocket, which failed and was destroyed during launch. California Polytechnic State University handled the details. This launch was postponed numerous times due to the primary payload, EgyptSat 1, not being ready. Due to ITAR concerns, the cubesats were moved to a different launch opportunity, with the primary payload from Belka. The launch was lost after the first stage engine shut down prematurely.[1][2]. It is currently believed that all satellite parts were destroyed. The launch carried:

(the list is not complete)

[edit] 2007

CP4 in flight, taken by AeroCube2
CP4 in flight, taken by AeroCube2

Seven Cubesats were launched April 17, 2007 as secondary payloads on a Dnepr rocket.[3] They included:

[edit] 2008

In a launch coordinated by the Nanosatellite Launch System, CanX-2[2], AAUSAT-II[3], Compass-1[4], Delfi C3[5], CUTE-1.7+APD II[6] and 2nd SEEDS[7] were launched on 28 April on a Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle.[8]

[edit] Future Launches

Later in 2008, a launch is planned that will include Auburn University's AubieSat-1. The launch date is undetermined.

A fourth-quarter, 2008, launch is planned for KySat-1, which was developed by multiple Kentucky universities.

[edit] Current running projects

A number of CubeSat projects are running in different universities currently. Some of them are:

[edit] See also

AMSAT

[edit] References

  1. ^ Space.com Report: Dnepr Rocket Crashes Shortly After Launch. Retrieved on 2006-07-27.
  2. ^ SpaceFlight Now
  3. ^ Dnepr Launch 2. The CubeSat Project.
  1. Cubesat Community Website. Retrieved on 2006-03-18.

[edit] External links