Lunar Falcon Satellite - Nanosats Database

Name	Lunar Falcon (Foxsat)
Type	CubeSat
Units or mass	8U (2Ux2Ux2U)
Status	not launched, expected in 2026
Launcher	not launched
Organisation	Infinity Space
Institution	Company
Entity type	Commercial
Headquarters	UK
Oneliner	Equipped with Hall effect ion thruster and journey into lunar orbit as to explore the mysteries of Earths closest celestial neighbour.
Description	Lunar Falcon represents the cutting edge of space exploration technology. Our 8U CubeSat, is equipped with an advanced hall-effect ion thruster and is set to embark on a historic mission to orbit the moon. The inclusion of an ion thruster on Lunar Falcon marks a significant leap in the capabilities of CubeSats. Unlike traditional chemical propulsion, the ion thruster offers efficient and continuous thrust, allowing the CubeSat to make precise maneuvers and extend its mission lifespan. This technology is poised to revolutionise small satellite missions, enabling them to venture farther into space and undertake complex orbital operations. Lunar Falcon's mission is defined by its outstanding power generation and propulsion system, which allows it to operate well beyond the initial 60-day timeframe. This extended mission duration offers the potential for a substantial increase in valuable data collection, limited only by the availability of power and propellant resources. This remarkable adaptability and efficiency make Lunar Falcon a pivotal asset for scientific research and exploration. This extended operational capability of Lunar Falcon opens the door to unprecedented opportunities for scientific discovery. Researchers can take full advantage of the extended mission to delve deeper into cosmic mysteries, track long-term celestial events, and explore new facets of the universe. Lunar Falcon's mission duration provides a reliable platform for conducting long-term experiments and making continuous observations, pushing the boundaries of our knowledge in the field of space science. Lunar Falcon's mission duration is carefully planned for a minimum of 2 lunar orbits, which equates to approximately 60 days of scientific observations and data collection. This timeframe ensures a comprehensive study of the moon's surface and its surrounding environment. However, what sets this mission apart is its built-in flexibility. By maximizing the use of power and propellant resources, Lunar Falcon exemplifies the importance of resource conservation, emphasizing the necessity of efficient operations in the challenging and resource-constrained environment of space. This approach promotes the long-term sustainability of space missions and sets a standard for future endeavors. Lunar Falcon's extended mission duration also has the potential to inspire and engage the public in the wonders of space exploration. The continuous stream of data and discoveries it captures can captivate space enthusiasts and ignite the curiosity of the next generation. Lunar Falcon's mission serves as a definitive testament to the exciting possibilities that await us as we venture deeper into the cosmos, ultimately encouraging the pursuit of careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, and fostering a greater understanding of our place in the universe. MISSION SPECIFICATIONS CubeSat: Infinity Space NextStar 8U Chassis Mass: 4.5 kg Power Generation: 7W Peak Power Generation: 8W Pointing Accuracy: Up to 2° (Advanced Attitude Determination and Control System) Communication: TT&C (VHF/UHF): 9.6 kbps uplink and downlink Payload Data Downlink: 4.3 Mbps (S-Band) Propulsion: A single 10mN Ion Thruster with xenon propellant
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Keywords	Propulsion

Last modified: 2024-05-29