| Satellite | POPACS (Polar Orbiting Passive Atmospheric Calibration Sphere) |
|---|---|
| Spacecraft type | CubeSat |
| Units or mass | 3U |
| Status | Passive spheres. Separated into multiple parts. |
| Launched | 2013-09-29 |
| NORAD ID | 39268 |
| Deployer | CSD (Canisterized Satellite Dispenser) [Planetary Systems Corporation] |
| Launcher | Falcon 9 |
| Organisation | Utah State University |
| Institution | University |
| Entity | Academic / Education |
| Headquarters | US |
| Partners | Gil Moore, Planetary Systems Corporation, Drexel University, American Aerospace Advisors, SpaceX, Analytical Graphics |
| Oneliner |
3 passive spheres to assess changes in the density of the upper atmosphere. |
| Description |
3 spheres. Assess changes in the density of the upper atmosphere in response to heightened solar activity. Will remain in orbit for approximately 10, 12.5 and 15 years. Three 10 cm spheres whose external appearances are identical. However, they differ in their masses. The three masses are 1 kg, 1.5 kg, and 2 kg. In their launch configuration, the three spheres are separated by a set of two spacers and two end plates. |
| Sources | [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] |
| Photo sources | [1] |
Last modified: 2024-05-29
