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ExoCube 1, 2 (CP 10, 12)

ExoCube (CP 10) [Cal Poly]

ExoCube or CP 10 is a space weather satellite sponsored by the National Science Foundation. It’s primary mission is to directly measure the density Hydrogen, Oxygen, Helium and Nitrogen in the upper atmosphere. Current models of the upper atmosphere are based off of ground based radar measurements (Incoherent Scatter Radar – ISR).

Cal Poly is designing the core satellite, while the scient payload is supplied by NASA-GSFC. The University of Wisonsin – Madison will test the science,Scientific Solutions, Inc (SSI)

The ExoCube scientific payload includes three instruments that the team collectively refers to as EXOS. The instruments are the Neutral Static Energy Angle Analyzer (NSEAA), the Ion Static Energy Analyzer (ISEAA), and the Total Ion Monitor (TIM). ExoCube will characterize [O], [H], [He], [N2], [O+], [H+], [He+], [NO+], and total ion density over both ISR stations and throughout the entire orbit. ExoCube uses an active control system to point itself to in the desired direction for measurements.

ExoCube was successfully launched and deployed from the rocket on the ELaNa-10 mission. The satellite failed to deploy its antenna, resulting in a lower transmit power and therfore a lower data rate.

A reflight of the mission, called ExoCube 2 or CP 12, was selected in February 2016 by NASA's CubeSat Launch Initiative. It will be launched on the ELaNa-20 mission on a dedicated LauncherOne.

Nation: USA
Type / Application: Science, atmosphere
Operator: NASA/JPL, Cal Poly Picosatellite Project (PolySat)
Contractors: NASA/JPL, Cal Poly Picosatellite Project (PolySat)
Equipment:
Configuration: CubeSat (3U)
Propulsion: None
Power: Solar cells, batteries
Lifetime:
Mass: 4 kg (#1); 3.2 kg (#2)
Orbit: 439 km × 669 km, 99.13°
Satellite COSPAR Date LS Launch Vehicle Remarks
ExoCube (CP 10) 2015-003E 31.01.2015 Va SLC-2W Delta-7320-10C with SMAP, GRIFEX, FIREBIRD FU3, FIREBIRD FU4
ExoCube 2 (CP 12) 2021-002L 17.01.2021 Mo RW12/30 LauncherOne with CACTUS 1, MiTEE 1, PolarCube, Q-PACE, TechEdSat 7, RadFxSat 2, CAPE 3, PICS 1, PICS 2, Prometheus 2.8, Prometheus 2.11

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