# CUNYSAT-1

> investigation of ionospheric disturbances using GPS signals.

**Wikidata**: [Q113171944](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q113171944)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/cunysat-1

## Summary
CUNYSAT-1 is a CubeSat satellite launched on December 6, 2013, to investigate ionospheric disturbances using GPS signals. It was deployed aboard an Atlas V 501 rocket as part of its scientific mission.

## Key Facts
- CUNYSAT-1 is an instance of the CubeSat class, a miniaturized satellite composed of 10cm-sided cubic modules.
- It was launched on December 6, 2013.
- The launch vehicle was an Atlas V 501 rocket.
- Its COSPAR ID and NSSDCA ID are both 2013-072J.
- Aliases include 39470 and CUNYSAT1.
- The satellite's mission focuses on studying ionospheric disturbances through GPS signal analysis.

## FAQs
### Q: What is the primary mission of CUNYSAT-1?
A: CUNYSAT-1 is designed to investigate ionospheric disturbances using GPS signals to study space weather effects.

### Q: When and how was CUNYSAT-1 launched?
A: It was launched on December 6, 2013, aboard an Atlas V 501 rocket.

### Q: What type of satellite is CUNYSAT-1?
A: CUNYSAT-1 is a CubeSat, a standardized small satellite built from 10cm cubic modules.

### Q: What identifiers are associated with CUNYSAT-1?
A: Its COSPAR ID and NSSDCA ID are both 2013-072J, with aliases 39470 and CUNYSAT1.

## Why It Matters
CUNYSAT-1 advances the understanding of ionospheric disturbances, which disrupt satellite communications and GPS accuracy. By analyzing GPS signal anomalies, it provides critical data for modeling space weather impacts on technology. This research helps improve the reliability of global navigation systems and satellite operations, directly benefiting telecommunications, aviation, and scientific infrastructure vulnerable to ionospheric variability.

## Notable For
- Being a CubeSat-class satellite, emphasizing low-cost, modular space research.
- Launch aboard the Atlas V 501 rocket, a medium-lift vehicle for precise orbital deployment.
- Its specialized mission using GPS signals for ionospheric disturbance studies.
- Having dual COSPAR/NSSDCA identifiers (2013-072J) for standardized tracking.

## Body
### Overview
CUNYSAT-1 is a CubeSat satellite focused on scientific research into ionospheric disturbances. It leverages GPS signals to analyze how these atmospheric phenomena affect satellite communications and navigation systems.

### Launch Details
- **Launch Date**: December 6, 2013  
- **Launch Vehicle**: Atlas V 501 (United Launch Alliance)  
- **COSPAR ID**: 2013-072J  
- **NSSDCA ID**: 2013-072J  

### Technical Specifications
- **Class**: CubeSat (miniaturized satellite with 10cm cubic modules)  
- **Aliases**: 39470, CUNYSAT1  

### Mission Objective
The satellite's core purpose is to investigate ionospheric disturbances by monitoring GPS signal variations. This data aids in understanding space weather events that disrupt radio waves and satellite signals, supporting predictive models for technological resilience.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report