NSSDCA/COSPAR ID: 2013-016C
Alexander, also known as PhoneSat 2.0 Beta or PhoneSat v2a is a technology demonstration satellite operated by NASA's Ames Research Center, which was launched in April 2013. Part of the PhoneSat programme, it was one of the first three PhoneSat spacecraft, and the first Phonesat-2.0 satellite, to be launched.
A PhoneSat-2.0 satellite, Alexander was built to the single-unit (1U) CubeSat specifiction, and measures 10 centimetres (3.9 in) in each dimension. The satellite is based around an off-the-shelf Samsung Electronics Nexus S smartphone which serves in place of an onboard computer. The satellite is equipped with a two-way S-band transponder and solar panels for power generation. The spacecraft uses the phone's gyroscopes, along with a GPS receiver, to determine its position and orientation, and a system of reaction wheels and magnetorquer coils for attitude control.[2]
Launch Date: 2013-04-21
Launch Vehicle: Antares
Launch Site: Wallops Island, United States
Questions and comments about this spacecraft can be directed to: Coordinated Request and User Support Office