# CanX-7

> Canadian technology demonstration nanosatellite

**Wikidata**: [Q111471375](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q111471375)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/canx-7

## Summary
CanX-7 is a Canadian technology demonstration nanosatellite launched in 2016 as part of the Canadian Advanced Nanospace eXperiment programme. It was a 3-kilogram CubeSat designed to test experimental technologies in space, including advanced attitude control systems and communication protocols.

## Key Facts
- **Type**: Technology demonstration spacecraft and CubeSat (10cm-sided cubic modules)
- **Mass**: 3 kilograms (launch weight)
- **Launch Date**: September 26, 2016, at 03:42 UTC
- **Launch Vehicle**: Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C35)
- **Launch Site**: Satish Dhawan Space Centre First Launch Pad
- **Manufacturer**: UTIAS Space Flight Laboratory and COM DEV International
- **Operator**: UTIAS Space Flight Laboratory
- **Funders**: Defence Research and Development Canada, Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, COM DEV International
- **Reentry**: Atmospheric entry occurred on April 21, 2022, over the Atlantic Ocean
- **Country of Origin**: Canada
- **Part of**: Canadian Advanced Nanospace eXperiment programme

## FAQs
### Q: What was the purpose of CanX-7?
A: CanX-7 was a technology demonstration nanosatellite designed to test experimental technologies in space, including advanced attitude control systems and communication protocols.

### Q: Who launched CanX-7?
A: CanX-7 was launched by the Indian Space Research Organisation using the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C35) on September 26, 2016.

### Q: How long did CanX-7 operate in space?
A: CanX-7 was operational until its atmospheric reentry on April 21, 2022, over the Atlantic Ocean.

### Q: Who funded CanX-7?
A: CanX-7 was funded by Defence Research and Development Canada, the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, and COM DEV International.

### Q: What type of satellite was CanX-7?
A: CanX-7 was a CubeSat, a miniaturized satellite made up of 10cm-sided cubic modules, and a technology demonstration spacecraft.

## Why It Matters
CanX-7 played a crucial role in advancing Canadian space technology by demonstrating experimental systems in a real space environment. As part of the Canadian Advanced Nanospace eXperiment programme, it contributed to the development of CubeSat capabilities, including attitude control and communication technologies. Its successful deployment and operation provided valuable data for future nanosatellite missions, supporting Canada's growing presence in the space industry. The satellite's reentry in 2022 marked the end of its mission, but its legacy continues to influence ongoing research and development in small satellite technologies.

## Notable For
- **First Canadian CubeSat in the programme**: CanX-7 was part of the Canadian Advanced Nanospace eXperiment programme, which aimed to develop and deploy CubeSats for technology demonstration.
- **Technology testing**: It successfully tested advanced attitude control systems and communication protocols in space.
- **Collaborative effort**: Developed in collaboration between the UTIAS Space Flight Laboratory and COM DEV International.
- **Funded by multiple agencies**: Supported by Defence Research and Development Canada, the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, and COM DEV International.
- **Reentry data**: Provided valuable information on atmospheric reentry, contributing to space debris mitigation efforts.

## Body
### Overview
CanX-7 was a Canadian nanosatellite launched on September 26, 2016, as part of the Canadian Advanced Nanospace eXperiment programme. It was a 3-kilogram CubeSat designed to demonstrate experimental technologies in space, including advanced attitude control systems and communication protocols.

### Mission Details
- **Launch**: The satellite was launched aboard the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C35) from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre First Launch Pad.
- **Operator**: Managed by the UTIAS Space Flight Laboratory, a Canadian research institution.
- **Funding**: Supported by Defence Research and Development Canada, the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, and COM DEV International.

### Technology Demonstrations
CanX-7 was equipped with experimental systems to test new technologies in a space environment. These included:
- **Attitude control systems**: Advanced systems for maintaining the satellite's orientation in space.
- **Communication protocols**: Testing new methods for data transmission and command reception.

### Reentry
- **Atmospheric Entry**: CanX-7 reentered Earth's atmosphere on April 21, 2022, over the Atlantic Ocean. The reentry provided data on the satellite's behavior during atmospheric descent, contributing to space debris mitigation efforts.

### Legacy
CanX-7's mission contributed to the development of CubeSat capabilities in Canada, supporting future nanosatellite missions and technological advancements in the space industry. Its successful deployment and operation demonstrated the potential of small satellites for scientific and technological research.

## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/canx-7.htm)
2. [Source](https://www.utias-sfl.net/canx-7/)
3. Jonathan's Space Report
4. [Source](https://www.unoosa.org/documents/pdf/copuos/stsc/2023/TPs/thursday-9feb-pm/Canada_CanX-7_Reentry_Scott_STSC_60.pdf)
5. [Source](https://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/spacecraft/display.action?id=2016-059F)