Astronomy:ZACube-1

From HandWiki
ZACube-1
Mission typeSpace weather
OperatorCape Peninsula University of Technology
COSPAR ID2013-066B
SATCAT no.39417
Websitewww.cput.ac.za/fsati
Spacecraft properties
Spacecraft type1U CubeSat
ManufacturerCape Peninsula University of Technology
Launch mass1.2 kilograms (2.6 lb)
Start of mission
Launch date21 November 2013, 07:10:17 (2013-11-21UTC07:10:17Z) UTC[1]
RocketDnepr
Launch siteDombarovsky 370/13
ContractorKosmotras
Orbital parameters
Reference systemGeocentric
RegimeLow Earth
Perigee altitude596 kilometres (370 mi)[2]
Apogee altitude681 kilometres (423 mi)[2]
Inclination97.75 degrees[2]
Period97.36 minutes[2]
Epoch24 January 2015, 03:15:51 UTC[2]
 

ZACube-1 (TshepisoSat),[3] is a South African CubeSat that carries a high frequency beacon transmitter to be used for space weather research. It was launched 21 November 2013 on a Dnepr launch vehicle from Yasny, Russia. Tshepiso is the seSotho word for promise.

Objectives

ZACube-1 carried a high frequency beacon transmitter and a low-resolution CMOS camera in order to perform space weather research, support education and training, enable technology demonstration, and serve as a catalyst for the national nano-satellite programme.[4] The satellite was launched in a Dnepr from the Dombarovsky, which can be found at the following coordinates: [ ⚑ ] 50°48′0″N 059°31′0″E / 50.8°N 59.516667°E / 50.8; 59.516667 (Dombarovsky (air base))[5]

See also

  • SUNSAT, first South African satellite
  • SumbandilaSat, second South African satellite
  • List of CubeSats

References

External links