NSSDCA/COSPAR ID: 2013-055B
The space segment was originally designed to consist of two functionally identical satellites that would launch together and separate on orbit in a target-inspector configuration. Once in orbit, CUSat would use microthrust Pulsed Plasma Thrusters (PPTs) and sub-centimeter level accurate carrier-phase differential GPS (CDGPS) to navigate the satellites to within ten meters of each other. The inspector satellite would use cameras to gather imagery of the target satellite while performing relative navigation. Target satellite imagery would be transferred to the ground segment where they would be used to reconstruct a three dimensional model for the end user. The mission was modified after one of the segments was damaged during testing. It now consists of a single satellite with multiple antennas that transmit data to each other.
Launch Date: 2013-09-29
Launch Vehicle: Falcon 9
Launch Site: Vandenberg AFB, United States
Mass: 40.82 kg
Questions and comments about this spacecraft can be directed to: Coordinated Request and User Support Office