FalconSAT-8, is a microsatellite developed by the U.S. Air Force Academy and sponsored by the USAF Research Laboratory (AFRL).
FalconSAT-8 is an educational platform for cadets, which performs technology demonstrations for the Air Force. FalconSAT-8 carries five experimental payloads, and members of the Cadet Space Operations Squadron will operate FalconSAT-8.
The satellite will test a novel electromagnetic propulsion system, low-weight antenna technology and a commercial reaction wheel to provide attitude control in orbit.
following experiments are on board:
The satellite was deployed end of May 2020 from the service module of X-37B OTV-6, which was launched on 17 May 2020 on an Atlas-5(501).
Nation: | USA |
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Type / Application: | Experimental |
Operator: | U.S. Air Force Academy |
Contractors: | U.S. Air Force Academy |
Equipment: | MEP, MMA, CANOE, ACES, SkyPad |
Configuration: | |
Propulsion: | Magnetogradient Electrostatic Plasma Truster |
Power: | Solar cells, batteries |
Lifetime: | |
Mass: | 136 kg |
Orbit: |
Satellite | COSPAR | Date | LS | Launch Vehicle | Remarks | |
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FalconSat 8 (USA 300) | 2020-029B | 17.05.2020 | CC SLC-41 | Atlas-5(501) | with X-37B OTV-6 |