# Alexander (satellite)

> technology demonstration satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q14174564](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q14174564)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexander_(satellite))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/alexander-satellite

## Summary
Alexander is a technology demonstration CubeSat operated by NASA. Launched in 2013 aboard an Antares rocket, it serves as a miniaturized satellite for testing new space technologies.

## Key Facts
- **Type**: CubeSat (miniaturized satellite composed of 10cm cubic modules)  
- **Operator**: National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)  
- **Launch Date**: April 21, 2013  
- **Launch Vehicle**: Antares (produced by Northrop Grumman)  
- **Launch Site**: Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport Launch Pad 0  
- **COSPAR ID**: 2013-016C  
- **Purpose**: Technology demonstration  
- **Sitelink Count**: 3 (Wikipedia coverage in English, Indonesian, and Italian)  

## FAQs
### Q: What is the purpose of Alexander (satellite)?  
A: Alexander is a technology demonstration CubeSat designed to test new space technologies in orbit.  

### Q: When was Alexander launched?  
A: It was launched on April 21, 2013, aboard an Antares rocket from the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport.  

### Q: Who operates Alexander?  
A: NASA operates Alexander as part of its CubeSat program for advancing miniaturized satellite technologies.  

## Why It Matters  
Alexander represents NASA's efforts to validate cost-effective, miniaturized satellite technologies through CubeSats. As a technology demonstrator, it contributes to advancements in small satellite design, which are critical for reducing launch costs and enabling more frequent space missions. CubeSats like Alexander pave the way for future scientific, commercial, and educational applications in low-Earth orbit. Its successful deployment underscores the viability of small satellites for testing innovative systems before scaling them to larger missions.  

## Notable For  
- Being part of NASA's CubeSat program for technology validation.  
- Launched aboard an Antares rocket, a vehicle developed by Northrop Grumman.  
- Demonstrating the practicality of miniaturized satellites for space research.  

## Body  
### Launch Details  
- **Date**: April 21, 2013  
- **Vehicle**: Antares (manufactured by Northrop Grumman)  
- **Site**: Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport Launch Pad 0  

### Technical Specifications  
- **Class**: CubeSat (modular 10cm-sided cubic design)  
- **Operator**: NASA  
- **Mission Type**: Technology demonstration  

### Significance  
- Validated CubeSat capabilities for future low-cost space missions.  
- Supported NASA's broader goals of advancing miniaturized satellite technologies.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report