# CanX-6

> Canadian technology demonstration nanosatellite used to track ships

**Wikidata**: [Q48540](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q48540)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/canx-6

## Summary
CanX-6 is a Canadian technology demonstration nanosatellite launched in 2008, designed to track ships using the Automatic Identification System (AIS). It was part of the Canadian Advanced Nanospace eXperiment (CanX) program and operated until 2015, demonstrating the feasibility of small satellite-based maritime monitoring.

## Key Facts
- **Class**: Technology demonstration spacecraft and AIS satellite
- **Launch Date**: April 28, 2008, at 03:53:51 UTC from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre Second Launch Pad
- **Launch Vehicle**: Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C9)
- **Mass**: 6.5 kilograms (launch weight)
- **Orbit**: Sun-synchronous orbit
- **Operators**: UTIAS Space Flight Laboratory and COM DEV International
- **Designed By**: UTIAS Space Flight Laboratory
- **Manufacturers**: UTIAS Space Flight Laboratory and COM DEV International
- **Spacecraft Bus**: Gryphon
- **Service Entry**: May 6, 2008
- **Service Retirement**: April 2015
- **Aliases**: Can X-6, Canadian Advanced Nanospace eXperiment 6, Nanosatellite Tracking Ships (NTS), exactView-0 (eV-0)
- **Country of Origin**: Canada

## FAQs
### Q: What was the purpose of CanX-6?
A: CanX-6 was a technology demonstration nanosatellite designed to track ships using the Automatic Identification System (AIS). It aimed to prove the feasibility of small satellite-based maritime monitoring.

### Q: Who operated CanX-6?
A: CanX-6 was operated by the UTIAS Space Flight Laboratory and COM DEV International.

### Q: When was CanX-6 launched and retired?
A: CanX-6 was launched on April 28, 2008, and retired in April 2015.

### Q: What type of orbit did CanX-6 use?
A: CanX-6 operated in a sun-synchronous orbit.

### Q: What was the mass of CanX-6 at launch?
A: CanX-6 had a launch mass of 6.5 kilograms.

## Why It Matters
CanX-6 was a significant milestone in the development of small satellite technology for maritime applications. As one of the first nanosatellites to demonstrate the tracking of ships via AIS, it proved the feasibility of using small, low-cost satellites for global maritime monitoring. This technology has since been adopted by other satellite constellations, such as exactView, which expanded the capabilities of AIS-based tracking. CanX-6’s success laid the groundwork for future advancements in satellite-based maritime surveillance, contributing to safer and more efficient global shipping operations.

## Notable For
- **First Nanosatellite AIS Tracker**: One of the first nanosatellites to successfully demonstrate ship tracking using AIS.
- **Technology Demonstrator**: Proved the viability of small satellites for maritime monitoring, paving the way for larger constellations.
- **Precursor to exactView**: Inspired the development of the exactView satellite constellation, which expanded AIS-based tracking capabilities.
- **Canadian Space Innovation**: Showcased Canada’s capability in developing advanced nanosatellite technology.
- **Short Operational Lifespan**: Despite its small size, CanX-6 provided valuable data for over seven years, from 2008 to 2015.

## Body
### Overview
CanX-6 was a 6.5-kilogram nanosatellite developed by the UTIAS Space Flight Laboratory and COM DEV International as part of the Canadian Advanced Nanospace eXperiment (CanX) program. It was launched on April 28, 2008, aboard the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C9) from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre Second Launch Pad. The satellite entered service on May 6, 2008, and remained operational until April 2015.

### Mission and Technology
CanX-6 was designed as a technology demonstration spacecraft and AIS satellite. Its primary mission was to track ships using the Automatic Identification System (AIS), a global maritime tracking system. The satellite utilized the Gryphon spacecraft bus, a compact platform suitable for nanosatellites. By proving the feasibility of small satellite-based AIS tracking, CanX-6 contributed to the broader field of satellite communications and remote sensing.

### Significance
CanX-6’s success was pivotal in advancing the use of nanosatellites for maritime applications. It demonstrated that small, low-cost satellites could effectively monitor global shipping routes, a capability that was later expanded by the exactView satellite constellation. The mission highlighted Canada’s growing expertise in nanosatellite technology and its potential for commercial and scientific applications.

### Legacy
CanX-6’s legacy includes inspiring future satellite constellations and establishing a foundation for advanced maritime monitoring. Its short operational lifespan, from 2008 to 2015, underscored the challenges and achievements of nanosatellite missions. Despite its relatively brief service, CanX-6 made a lasting impact on the development of space-based maritime surveillance.

## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/canx-6.htm)
2. [Source](https://www.eoportal.org/satellite-missions/canx-6)
3. [Source](https://spacenews.com/trailblazing-small-satellite-technology/)
4. Jonathan's Space Report
5. [Source](https://www.eoportal.org/satellite-missions/canx-6#mission-status)
6. [Source](https://utias-sfl.net/wp-content/uploads/SSC09-IV-6.pdf)