TEVEL2-1

Description

Tevel 2-1 is the fourth of a cluster of nine Israeli satellites simultaneously launched into space. It is part of the Tevel 2 mission. The satellites were launched as a clustered swarm, but over the course of time they are expected to spread out randomly, in orbits around the Earth, and to measure, simultaneously, the cosmic radiation at a height of 500 km.

These satellites were designed and built by high school students from all over Israel. This is the largest Israeli satellite fleet ever launched into space – an achievement that has not been recorded, so far, by any academic institution or commercial company in Israel.

They will remain in orbit for about three years. During that time, they will provide vital scientific data. The nine satellites, measuring 10 x 10 x 11.3 cm, were built in research and development centers established by Tel Aviv University in nine local authorities throughout the country.

The cluster of satellites carries an important scientific mission: measuring cosmic radiation in orbit. Cosmic radiation is made up of highly energetic particles that come from our sun as well as events that occur in the depths of the universe, such as supernovae explosions. The flora and fauna on Earth are relatively protected from radiation thanks to the Earth's magnetic field and the atmosphere, but in space this radiation has a dangerous effect on the health of astronauts in spacecraft and on the functioning of satellites’ electronic systems. It needs further study.

This satellite was delivered by Transporter-13, a dedicated smallsat rideshare mission. SpaceX’s SmallSat Rideshare Program provides small satellite operators with regularly scheduled Falcon 9 rideshare missions to SSO for ESPA class payloads. This includes a payload mass up to 50kg. There were 74 payloads on this flight. This is SpaceX’s 464th mission and Falcon 9’s 448th mission.