# EQUULEUS

> nanosatellite

**Wikidata**: [Q48799430](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q48799430)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/EQUULEUS)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/equuleus

## Summary
EQUULEUS is a nanosatellite classified as a small satellite, known formally as the EQUilibriUm Lunar-Earth point 6U Spacecraft. The spacecraft launched from the Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39 and is monitored under the NSSDCA ID 2022-156E.

## Key Facts
- **Aliases:** EQUilibriUm Lunar-Earth point 6U Spacecraft; エクレウス (Japanese).
- **Classification:** Instance of a small satellite (spacecraft class); defined specifically as a nanosatellite.
- **Launch Site:** Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39.
- ** Identifiers:** NSSDCA ID 2022-156E; Google Knowledge Graph ID /g/11f2wbn75z.
- **Web Presence:** Official website hosted at `https://www.space.t.u-tokyo.ac.jp/equuleus/`; Wikimedia Commons image available.
- **Wikipedia Coverage:** Article exists in 10 languages (Catalan, Commons, English, Spanish, French, Italian, Japanese, Russian, Swedish, Chinese).

## FAQs
### Q: What does the acronym EQUULEUS stand for?
A: The name is an abbreviation for "EQUilibriUm Lunar-Earth point 6U Spacecraft." It is also referred to by the Japanese alias エクレウス.

### Q: How is EQUULEUS classified in terms of spacecraft?
A: It is a nanosatellite and an instance of a "small satellite," a class of artificial satellites generally weighing less than 1,200 kg.

### Q: From where was EQUULEUS launched?
A: The spacecraft's start point was the Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39.

### Q: Where can official technical data and images for EQUULEUS be found?
A: Technical information is hosted on the University of Tokyo website, and images are archived in the Wikimedia Commons category "EQUULEUS."

## Why It Matters
EQUULEUS represents a significant shift in space exploration capabilities through its utilization of the small satellite platform. By belonging to the small satellite class—spacecraft weighing less than 1,200 kg—it exemplifies the movement toward cost-effective, miniaturized missions that reduce the barriers to entry for space research. Such spacecraft allow for rapid technology demonstration and scientific research without the prohibitive costs and complexity associated with traditional, massive satellites. This democratization of space technology enables academic institutions and smaller entities to participate in deep space observation and Earth monitoring.

## Notable For
- **Miniaturized Design:** Being a nanosatellite, a subclass of small satellites, allowing for compact and efficient mission profiles.
- **Academic Affiliation:** Association with the University of Tokyo (implied by the official website domain `space.t.u-tokyo.ac.jp`).
- **Multi-Language Documentation:** Availability of knowledge across 10 different Wikipedia language versions, indicating global scientific interest.
- **Specific Launch Infrastructure:** Utilization of the historic Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39 for deployment.

## Body

### Identity and Nomenclature
EQUULEUS is a nanosatellite that operates under the formal name "EQUilibriUm Lunar-Earth point 6U Spacecraft." It is also recognized by its Japanese alias, エクレウス. The entity holds a specific entry in the NASA Space Science Data Coordinated Archive (NSSDCA) under the identifier 2022-156E and is tracked via the Google Knowledge Graph ID `/g/11f2wbn75z`.

### Classification and Technical Context
The spacecraft is a specific instance of a **small satellite**. In the context of aerospace engineering, a small satellite is defined as an artificial satellite generally weighing less than 1,200 kg. This classification places EQUULEUS within a broader ecosystem of miniaturized objects used for space missions.
*   **Class Characteristics:** As a small satellite, it benefits from the reduced mass and cost compared to traditional large satellites.
*   **Size Hierarchy:** The small satellite class sits above minisatellites (generally less than 500–600 kg) in the size classification hierarchy.
*   **Alternative Terms:** The class is also known by aliases such as "smallsat," "miniaturized satellite," and "satélite pequeño."

### Mission Origins and Deployment
The mission's deployment originated from the **Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39**. This start point links the spacecraft to one of the most prominent launch sites in space history. The mission profile is facilitated by the inherent advantages of the small satellite class, which supports various applications including technology demonstration and scientific observation.

### Digital Presence and Resources
EQUULEUS maintains a distinct digital footprint across academic and public domains.
*   **Official Resources:** The official website is accessible via the University of Tokyo at `https://www.space.t.u-tokyo.ac.jp/equuleus/`.
*   **Media:** Visual documentation is available through the Wikimedia Commons category "EQUULEUS," including file references such as `EQUULEUS_(1069898306977).png`.
*   **Global Data:** The entity has 10 sitelinks across Wikipedia languages (ca, commons, en, es, fr, it, ja, ru, sv, zh) and is assigned the Library of Congress authority ID sh2001000772 (via its class association).