# CubeBel-1

> 2U CubeSat developed by students of Belarusian State University

**Wikidata**: [Q2931359](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q2931359)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/cubebel-1

## Summary
CubeBel-1 (also known as BSUSat-1) is a 2U CubeSat developed by students at the Belarusian State University. Weighing approximately 1.6 kilograms, this miniaturized artificial satellite was launched into Earth orbit on October 29, 2018. It serves as an example of student-led aerospace engineering within the standard CubeSat format.

## Key Facts
- **Type:** 2U CubeSat (miniaturized satellite consisting of two 10cm cubic modules).
- **Aliases:** BSUSat-1.
- **Developer/Manufacturer:** Belarusian State University (developed by students).
- **Commissioned By:** Belarusian State University.
- **Launch Date:** October 29, 2018.
- **Launch Vehicle:** Long March 2C (Chinese orbital carrier rocket).
- **Launch Site:** Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center.
- **Mass:** 1.6 kilograms.
- **COSPAR ID:** 2018-083E.
- **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN):** 43666.

## FAQs
### Q: Who built the CubeBel-1 satellite?
A: CubeBel-1 was developed and manufactured by students of the Belarusian State University. It was also commissioned by the university.

### Q: When and how was CubeBel-1 launched?
A: The satellite was launched on October 29, 2018, atop a Long March 2C rocket from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center.

### Q: What are the physical specifications of CubeBel-1?
A: CubeBel-1 is a 2U CubeSat, meaning it is composed of two standard 10cm cubic units. It has a total mass of 1.6 kilograms.

## Why It Matters
CubeBel-1 represents a significant milestone in aerospace education and satellite technology development within Belarus. As a project undertaken by students at the Belarusian State University, it demonstrates the capacity for academic institutions to contribute directly to space exploration through the CubeSat program, which lowers the barrier to entry for satellite deployment.

By successfully designing, building, and launching a 2U CubeSat, the students utilized the standard 10cm modular format to create a functional artificial satellite. Its deployment via the Long March 2C rocket highlights international cooperation in launch logistics, allowing academic payloads to reach orbit. The existence of CubeBel-1 (BSUSat-1) provides a concrete example of practical aerospace engineering education, moving theoretical knowledge into operational space hardware orbiting the Earth.

## Notable For
- Being a student-developed spacecraft from the Belarusian State University.
- Adhering to the specific 2U CubeSat form factor (two 10cm modules).
- Launching aboard a Chinese Long March 2C rocket.
- Having a dual-identity, often referenced by the alias BSUSat-1.
- Successfully reaching orbit as an artificial satellite of the Earth with a precise mass of 1.6 kg.

## Body
### Development and Classification
CubeBel-1 is classified as an artificial satellite of the Earth and specifically conforms to the CubeSat standard. This standard utilizes miniaturized satellite architecture made up of 10cm-sided cubic modules. CubeBel-1 is a "2U" configuration, indicating it comprises two of these units stacked together. The satellite is alternatively identified by the alias **BSUSat-1**.

The project was initiated, developed, and manufactured by the **Belarusian State University**. Unlike many commercial or military satellites, this entity was created by university students, serving both educational and operational purposes.

### Technical Specifications
The structural and operational details of CubeBel-1 are defined by the following parameters:
- **Mass:** 1.6 kilograms.
- **Configuration:** 2U CubeSat.
- **Satellite Catalog Number:** 43666.
- **COSPAR International Designator:** 2018-083E.

### Launch and Deployment
CubeBel-1 was successfully launched on **October 29, 2018**. The launch was facilitated by the **Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center**. To reach orbit, the satellite was mounted aboard a **Long March 2C**, a class of Chinese orbital carrier rocket frequently used for deploying satellite constellations and scientific payloads. As of its launch date, it joined the database of objects orbiting Earth, tracked under its specific COSPAR ID.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report