# ³Cat-2

> Catalonian satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q28669004](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q28669004)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/3cat-2

## Summary
³Cat-2 is a Catalan nanosatellite developed by the UPC NanoSat Lab, launched in 2016 to demonstrate technology and conduct Earth observation. It operated until its atmospheric re-entry in 2023, succeeding ³Cat-1 and preceding the planned ³Cat-3. As a CubeSat, it utilized a standardized 10cm modular design for low-cost space research.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: August 15, 2016, at 17:40:04 UTC aboard a Long March 2D rocket (Y32) from Jiuquan Launch Complex 43/94.
- **Mission End**: Re-entered Earth's atmosphere on December 18, 2023.
- **Dimensions**: 0.2437m width × 0.3405m height × 0.1m length; mass of 7.1 kg.
- **Orbital Parameters**: 502.3 km periapsis, 97.4° inclination, 94.5-minute orbital period, and 6,873 km semi-major axis.
- **Power Systems**: Multijunction photovoltaic cells and a 7,000 mAh lithium-ion battery.
- **Preceded By**: ³Cat-1 (operational 2018–2023); **Followed By**: ³Cat-3 (future mission).
- **Identifiers**: COSPAR ID 2016-051B, NORAD ID 41732.

## FAQs
### Q: When was ³Cat-2 launched and how long did it operate?
A: ³Cat-2 launched on August 15, 2016, and operated for over 7 years until its re-entry on December 18, 2023.

### Q: What was the primary purpose of ³Cat-2?
A: The satellite aimed to test nanosatellite technologies, including photovoltaic systems and Earth observation instruments, as part of the UPC's research initiatives.

### Q: How was ³Cat-2 destroyed?
A: It decayed from orbit and disintegrated in Earth's atmosphere on December 18, 2023, due to natural orbital decay.

## Why It Matters
³Cat-2 represents a milestone in Catalan and European nanosatellite development, showcasing low-cost, modular spacecraft design. Its prolonged operation validated technologies like advanced photovoltaic cells and compact lithium-ion batteries, contributing to the growth of the CubeSat standard for academic and commercial missions. As part of the ³Cat series, it supported Earth observation research and paved the way for future missions like ³Cat-3, fostering collaboration between the UPC and the Catalan Institute of Geological Sciences (ICGC). Its legacy underscores the viability of small satellites for scientific and educational objectives.

## Notable For
- **Long Operational Lifespan**: Exceeded 7 years in orbit, demonstrating robust CubeSat design.
- **Catalan Collaboration**: Joint project between the UPC NanoSat Lab and ICGC, advancing regional space research.
- **Technological Validation**: Successfully tested multijunction photovoltaic cells and power systems for nanosatellites.
- **Series Continuity**: Part of a planned trilogy (³Cat-1, -2, -3) focused on iterative innovation in small spacecraft.

## Body
### Overview
³Cat-2, also designated 3CAT-2, was a 7.1 kg CubeSat developed by the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC) NanoSat Lab. It launched on August 15, 2016, aboard a Long March 2D rocket (Y32) from Jiuquan, China, as part of a rideshare mission. The satellite operated until its atmospheric re-entry on December 18, 2023.

### Mission Objectives
- **Technology Demonstration**: Tested nanosatellite subsystems, including a multijunction photovoltaic power system and lithium-ion batteries.
- **Earth Observation**: Carried instruments for studying Earth's surface, contributing to environmental and geological research.

### Design Specifications
- **Structure**: 0.2437m × 0.3405m × 0.1m, adhering to the CubeSat 1U standard (10cm³ modules).
- **Power**: 7000 mAh lithium-ion battery charged by high-efficiency photovoltaic cells.
- **Orbit**: Sun-synchronous orbit with 502.3 km periapsis, 97.4° inclination, and 94.5-minute orbital period.

### Launch and Decay
- **Launch Vehicle**: Long March 2D (Y32), launched from Jiuquan Launch Complex 43/94 at 17:40:04 UTC.
- **Decay**: Re-entered Earth's atmosphere on December 18, 2023, after 7 years and 4 months in orbit.

### Legacy
³Cat-2 built on the success of ³Cat-1 (2018–2023) and informed the development of the upcoming ³Cat-3 mission. Its mission highlighted the capabilities of low-cost, collaborative nanosatellite projects in advancing scientific research and technological innovation.

## Schema Markup
```json
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Satellite",
  "name": "³Cat-2",
  "description": "Catalonian nanosatellite developed by the UPC NanoSat Lab, launched in 2016 to test technology and conduct Earth observation.",
  "url": "https://nanosatlab.upc.edu/en/missions-and-projects/3cat-2",
  "sameAs": [
    "https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q117051819",
    "https://ca.wikipedia.org/wiki/3CAT-2",
    "https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/3CAT-2"
  ],
  "manufacturer": "UPC NanoSat Lab",
  "launchDate": "2016-08-15",
  "mass": {
    "@type": "QuantitativeValue",
    "unitText": "kilogram",
    "value": 7.1
  },
  "height": {
    "@type": "QuantitativeValue",
    "unitText": "metre",
    "value": 0.3405
  },
  "width": {
    "@type": "QuantitativeValue",
    "unitText": "metre",
    "value": 0.2437
  },
  "depth": {
    "@type": "QuantitativeValue",
    "unitText": "metre",
    "value": 0.1
  },
  "cosparDesignator": "2016-051B",
  "noradId": "41732"
}

## References

1. [Source](https://nanosatlab.upc.edu/en/missions-and-projects/3cat-2)
2. Jonathan's Space Report
3. [Source](https://twitter.com/SpaceDebrisNews/status/1736974751019520376)