# AeroCube 3

> 35005

**Wikidata**: [Q2825584](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q2825584)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AeroCube-3)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/aerocube-3

## Summary  
AeroCube 3 is a CubeSat, a miniaturized satellite built from 10cm-sided cubic modules, operated by The Aerospace Corporation. It was launched on May 19, 2009, aboard a Minotaur I rocket from the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport and re-entered Earth's atmosphere on January 6, 2011.  

## Key Facts  
- **Type**: CubeSat (miniaturized satellite)  
- **Operator**: The Aerospace Corporation  
- **Launch Date**: May 19, 2009  
- **Launch Vehicle**: Minotaur I  
- **Launch Site**: Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport Launch Pad 0  
- **COSPAR ID**: 2009-028E  
- **Re-entry Date**: January 6, 2011  
- **Aliases**: AEROCUBE 3, AeroCube, AeroCube 1, AeroCube 2  
- **SCN (Satellite Catalog Number)**: 35005  

## FAQs  
### Q: What was the purpose of AeroCube 3?  
A: AeroCube 3 was a technology demonstration CubeSat operated by The Aerospace Corporation, likely testing miniaturized satellite systems and space-based experiments.  

### Q: How long was AeroCube 3 in orbit?  
A: AeroCube 3 remained in orbit for approximately 20 months, from its launch on May 19, 2009, until its atmospheric re-entry on January 6, 2011.  

### Q: What rocket launched AeroCube 3?  
A: It was launched aboard a Minotaur I rocket from the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport Launch Pad 0.  

## Why It Matters  
AeroCube 3 represents an early example of CubeSat technology, demonstrating the feasibility of low-cost, miniaturized satellites for space research and experimentation. CubeSats like AeroCube 3 have since become instrumental in academic, commercial, and military applications due to their affordability and modular design. By validating small satellite deployment and operations, AeroCube 3 contributed to the broader adoption of CubeSats, enabling advancements in Earth observation, communications, and scientific research.  

## Notable For  
- **Early CubeSat**: Part of the early wave of CubeSats proving the viability of small satellite technology.  
- **Operated by The Aerospace Corporation**: A key player in U.S. space research and development.  
- **Short Operational Lifespan**: Demonstrated typical CubeSat mission durations before atmospheric re-entry.  

## Body  
### Launch and Deployment  
- Launched on **May 19, 2009**, aboard a **Minotaur I** rocket.  
- Deployed from **Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport Launch Pad 0**.  
- Assigned **COSPAR ID 2009-028E** and **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN) 35005**.  

### Mission Duration  
- Remained operational until **January 6, 2011**, when it re-entered Earth's atmosphere.  
- Total mission duration: ~20 months.  

### Technical Specifications  
- **Class**: CubeSat (standard 10cm-sided cubic modules).  
- **Operator**: The Aerospace Corporation, a U.S.-based space research organization.  

### Legacy  
- Contributed to the growing use of CubeSats for cost-effective space missions.  
- Demonstrated rapid development and deployment cycles typical of small satellites.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report