# CASSIOPE

> Canadian Space Agency multi-mission satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q1022873](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1022873)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CASSIOPE)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/cassiope

## Summary
CASSIOPE is a Canadian Space Agency multi-mission satellite launched in 2013, serving as both a communications satellite and a technology demonstration spacecraft. It was built by MDA Space and operated by the University of Calgary, featuring a photovoltaic power system and a polar orbit.

## Key Facts
- **Class**: Communications satellite and technology demonstration spacecraft
- **Mass**: 500 kilograms
- **Dimensions**: 180 cm (width) × 125 cm (height)
- **Power**: Photovoltaic system with 600 watts of power
- **Launch Date**: September 29, 2013, at 16:00 UTC
- **Launch Vehicle**: Falcon 9 v1.1 (Booster B1003)
- **Launch Site**: Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4 East
- **Sponsor**: Canadian Space Agency
- **Operators**: MDA Space and University of Calgary
- **Manufacturers**: MDA Space, Magellan Aerospace, COM DEV International
- **Orbit**: Polar orbit
- **COSPAR ID**: 2013-055A
- **Aliases**: Cascade, Smallsat and Ionospheric Polar Explorer

## FAQs
### Q: What was the primary purpose of the CASSIOPE satellite?
A: CASSIOPE was designed as a multi-mission satellite, primarily serving as a communications satellite and a platform for demonstrating experimental technologies.

### Q: Who launched the CASSIOPE satellite?
A: The CASSIOPE satellite was launched by SpaceX using the Falcon 9 v1.1 rocket on September 29, 2013, from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4 East.

### Q: What is the power source of CASSIOPE?
A: CASSIOPE is powered by a photovoltaic system capable of generating 600 watts of power.

### Q: Who operates the CASSIOPE satellite?
A: The CASSIOPE satellite is operated by MDA Space and the University of Calgary.

### Q: What are the dimensions of the CASSIOPE satellite?
A: The CASSIOPE satellite measures 180 cm in width and 125 cm in height.

## Why It Matters
CASSIOPE played a crucial role in advancing space communication and technology demonstration capabilities for Canada. As a multi-mission satellite, it combined telecommunications functions with experimental technology testing, contributing to the development of small satellite systems. Its successful deployment and operation demonstrated the effectiveness of collaborative efforts between the Canadian Space Agency, MDA Space, and academic institutions like the University of Calgary. The satellite's polar orbit and advanced instrumentation provided valuable data for ionospheric research and satellite communication experiments, enhancing Canada's presence in the global space industry.

## Notable For
- **Multi-Role Satellite**: CASSIOPE was unique in its dual role as both a communications satellite and a technology demonstrator.
- **Photovoltaic Power System**: Its 600-watt photovoltaic system was notable for its efficiency in powering small satellite operations.
- **Polar Orbit**: The satellite's polar orbit allowed for comprehensive coverage and data collection, particularly useful for ionospheric studies.
- **Collaborative Development**: The project involved multiple Canadian entities, including MDA Space, Magellan Aerospace, and COM DEV International, showcasing a model for future satellite collaborations.
- **Experimental Payloads**: CASSIOPE carried advanced experimental payloads, contributing to the advancement of small satellite technology.

## Body
### Overview
CASSIOPE (Cascade, Smallsat and Ionospheric Polar Explorer) is a Canadian multi-mission satellite developed by the Canadian Space Agency. Launched on September 29, 2013, it serves as both a communications satellite and a technology demonstration spacecraft.

### Design and Specifications
- **Mass**: The satellite weighs 500 kilograms.
- **Dimensions**: It measures 180 cm in width and 125 cm in height.
- **Power System**: CASSIOPE is equipped with a photovoltaic system capable of generating 600 watts of power.

### Launch and Deployment
- **Launch Vehicle**: The satellite was launched aboard a Falcon 9 v1.1 rocket, specifically Booster B1003.
- **Launch Site**: It was launched from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4 East.
- **COSPAR ID**: The satellite's COSPAR ID is 2013-055A.

### Operations and Orbit
- **Operators**: MDA Space and the University of Calgary are responsible for operating the satellite.
- **Orbit**: CASSIOPE operates in a polar orbit, providing extensive coverage for its missions.

### Sponsorship and Collaboration
- **Sponsor**: The Canadian Space Agency sponsored the project.
- **Manufacturers**: The satellite was built by MDA Space, with contributions from Magellan Aerospace and COM DEV International.

### Significance
CASSIOPE's dual role as a communications satellite and technology demonstrator made it a versatile asset in Canada's space program. Its successful deployment and operation highlighted the country's capabilities in small satellite development and experimental space technology. The satellite's contributions to ionospheric research and satellite communication experiments further solidified its importance in the global space community.

## References

1. [Source](https://www.asc-csa.gc.ca/eng/satellites/cassiope.asp)
2. [Source](https://web.archive.org/web/20131002134731/http://is.mdacorporation.com/mdais_canada/Programs/Programs_Cassiope.aspx)
3. Jonathan's Space Report
4. [Source](https://web.archive.org/web/20131031011440/http://epop.phys.ucalgary.ca/quickfacts.html)
5. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013