NSSDCA/COSPAR ID: 2009-028E
Aerocube 3 is one of three CubeSats launched as secondary payloads (Tacsat 3 was primary) on-board a Minotaur 1 rocket on 19 May 2009 at 23:55 UT from Wallops. This miniature satellite will perform experiments and test various technologies in space including a two-axis Sun sensor and an Earth sensor. During a portion of the mission the satellite will remain tethered to the upper stage of the rocket to study the dynamics of the system under different tether lengths. The second phase of the mission will allow Aerocube 3 to fly untethered and make several Earth observations. The satellite also includes a balloon which will inflate at the end of the mission and reduce the orbital lifetime.
Launch Date: 2009-05-19
Launch Vehicle: Minotaur 1
Launch Site: Wallops Island, United States
Questions and comments about this spacecraft can be directed to: Coordinated Request and User Support Office