# Bell

> technology demonstration satellite launched in April 2013

**Wikidata**: [Q14174567](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q14174567)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bell_(satellite))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/bell

## Summary
Bell is a technology demonstration satellite launched on April 21, 2013, as part of NASA's PhoneSat project to test the use of smartphone technology in space. It is classified as a CubeSat and was deployed using the Antares launch vehicle. Bell, also known as PhoneSat 1.0b, demonstrated the feasibility of low-cost satellite systems using commercial hardware.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: April 21, 2013
- **Operator**: National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
- **Launch Vehicle**: Antares (Northrop Grumman)
- **COSPAR ID**: 2013-016D
- **SCN**: 39145
- **Class**: CubeSat (miniaturized 10cm-sided cubic modules)
- **Aliases**: PhoneSat 1.0b, PhoneSat v1b, BELL
- **Significant Event**: Rocket launch from Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport Launch Pad 0

## FAQs
### Q: What is the Bell satellite?
A: Bell is a NASA technology demonstration satellite launched in 2013 to test smartphone-based systems in space as part of the PhoneSat project.

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

### Q: What type of satellite is Bell?
A: Bell is a CubeSat, a class of miniaturized satellites built from 10cm-sided cubic modules.

## Why It Matters
Bell represents an early milestone in NASA's efforts to leverage commercial off-the-shelf technology for space exploration. As part of the PhoneSat series, it tested the use of Android smartphone processors and cameras in orbit, demonstrating the potential for low-cost, rapid-development satellites. This approach challenged traditional satellite engineering norms, emphasizing affordability and accessibility in space technology. While Bell's mission was experimental, it contributed to the growing adoption of CubeSats for scientific and educational projects, paving the way for future smallsat innovations.

## Notable For
- First NASA CubeSat to use an Android smartphone processor in space.
- Part of the PhoneSat project, which pioneered smartphone-based satellite technology.
- Launched on the Antares rocket, a key U.S. commercial launch vehicle.
- Demonstrated the viability of low-cost, modular satellite design.

## Body
### Launch Details
- **Date**: April 21, 2013
- **Launch Site**: Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport Launch Pad 0
- **Vehicle**: Antares (Northrop Grumman)
- **Mission Status**: Technology demonstration (completed)

### Technical Specifications
- **Class**: CubeSat (1U form factor)
- **SCN**: 39145
- **COSPAR ID**: 2013-016D
- **Design**: Utilized smartphone hardware (e.g., processors, cameras) for onboard systems.

### Mission Objectives
- Test the functionality of consumer smartphone components in the microgravity and radiation environment of low Earth orbit.
- Validate the PhoneSat 1.0b platform, focusing on power, communications, and thermal control systems.

### Legacy
- Contributed to the development of subsequent PhoneSat missions (e.g., PhoneSat 2.0).
- Highlighted the potential for rapid prototyping and cost-effective satellite missions using commercial technology.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report