# ASTERIA

> CubeSat testing technologies for the detection of exoplanets

**Wikidata**: [Q46259364](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q46259364)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ASTERIA_(spacecraft))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/asteria

## Summary
ASTERIA is a CubeSat space telescope designed to test technologies for detecting exoplanets. Launched in 2017, it was developed by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory and MIT, operating as a 6U CubeSat with a miniaturized telescope.

## Key Facts
- **Type**: CubeSat space telescope for exoplanet detection
- **Developed by**: Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
- **Launch date**: August 14, 2017
- **Launch vehicle**: SpaceX Falcon 9 Full Thrust
- **Launch site**: Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39A
- **Dimensions**: 30 cm (length) × 20 cm (width) × 10 cm (height)
- **Mission**: Part of NASA’s Educational Launch of Nanosatellites (ELaNa-22)
- **Operator**: National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
- **Named after**: Asteria, a figure from Greek mythology
- **Significant event**: Orbit insertion at the International Space Station on November 20, 2017

## FAQs
### Q: What was ASTERIA’s primary mission?
A: ASTERIA was designed to test technologies for detecting exoplanets using a miniaturized space telescope aboard a CubeSat.

### Q: Who developed ASTERIA?
A: ASTERIA was developed by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in collaboration with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

### Q: When was ASTERIA launched?
A: ASTERIA was launched on August 14, 2017, aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 Full Thrust rocket from Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39A.

### Q: What are the dimensions of ASTERIA?
A: ASTERIA measures 30 cm in length, 20 cm in width, and 10 cm in height, making it a 6U CubeSat.

### Q: What was ASTERIA’s orbit insertion event?
A: ASTERIA was inserted into orbit at the International Space Station on November 20, 2017.

## Why It Matters
ASTERIA played a crucial role in advancing the field of exoplanet detection by demonstrating the feasibility of using CubeSats for space-based astronomy. As a 6U CubeSat, it proved that miniaturized space telescopes could achieve scientific objectives, paving the way for future missions. Its success contributed to NASA’s broader efforts in utilizing small satellites for space exploration, reducing costs and increasing accessibility to space-based research. ASTERIA’s technologies and findings have influenced the design of subsequent CubeSat missions focused on exoplanet studies and other astronomical observations.

## Notable For
- **Miniaturization**: ASTERIA was one of the first CubeSats to successfully operate as a space telescope, proving the viability of small satellites for astronomical research.
- **Exoplanet Detection**: It tested methods for detecting exoplanets, contributing to NASA’s broader exoplanet exploration goals.
- **Collaboration**: ASTERIA was a joint effort between NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory and MIT, showcasing interdisciplinary innovation in space technology.
- **Orbital Insertion**: ASTERIA’s successful deployment from the International Space Station demonstrated the potential for CubeSats to be launched and operated in low Earth orbit.
- **Technological Advancement**: ASTERIA’s design and performance helped validate the use of CubeSats for space-based astronomy, influencing future missions.

## Body
### Overview
ASTERIA (Arcsecond Space Telescope Enabling Research in Astrophysics) was a 6U CubeSat space telescope developed by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Launched on August 14, 2017, aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 Full Thrust rocket from Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39A, ASTERIA was part of NASA’s Educational Launch of Nanosatellites (ELaNa-22) mission. It was inserted into orbit at the International Space Station on November 20, 2017.

### Design and Specifications
ASTERIA measured 30 cm in length, 20 cm in width, and 10 cm in height, making it a compact yet powerful space telescope. Its design focused on testing technologies for detecting exoplanets, including a miniaturized telescope and advanced optics. The satellite was named after Asteria, a figure from Greek mythology, reflecting its role in advancing astronomical research.

### Mission and Technology
ASTERIA’s primary mission was to demonstrate the feasibility of using CubeSats for space-based astronomy. It tested methods for detecting exoplanets, contributing to NASA’s broader efforts in exoplanet exploration. The satellite’s success helped validate the use of small satellites for scientific research, reducing costs and increasing accessibility to space-based observations.

### Collaboration and Impact
ASTERIA was a collaborative effort between NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Its development showcased interdisciplinary innovation in space technology and influenced the design of subsequent CubeSat missions. ASTERIA’s technological advancements and findings have been instrumental in advancing the field of exoplanet detection and space-based astronomy.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report