# ESTCube-2

> Estonian nanosatellite which failed to deploy after launch

**Wikidata**: [Q30595978](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q30595978)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ESTCube-2)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/estcube-2

## Summary
ESTCube-2 is an Estonian nanosatellite that failed to deploy after launch on October 9, 2023. It was a 3U CubeSat technology demonstration spacecraft built and operated by the University of Tartu. The satellite was launched aboard a Vega rocket from the Ensemble de Lancement Vega but did not successfully separate from the launch vehicle.

## Key Facts
- Launched on October 9, 2023, at 01:36:25 UTC aboard Vega rocket VV23
- Built and operated by the University of Tartu, Estonia
- Classified as a 3U CubeSat nanosatellite (approximately 3 kg)
- Designed as a technology demonstration spacecraft and Earth observation satellite
- Powered by solar cells
- Failed to deploy after launch, resulting in atmospheric entry on the same day
- Part of the ESTCube program of Estonian satellites
- Country of origin: Estonia

## FAQs
### Q: What happened to ESTCube-2 after launch?
A: ESTCube-2 failed to deploy from its launch vehicle and subsequently re-entered Earth's atmosphere on October 9, 2023, the same day as launch.

### Q: Who built and operated ESTCube-2?
A: ESTCube-2 was built and operated by the University of Tartu in Estonia.

### Q: What type of satellite was ESTCube-2?
A: ESTCube-2 was a 3U CubeSat nanosatellite designed for technology demonstration and Earth observation purposes.

## Why It Matters
ESTCube-2 represented Estonia's continued efforts in space technology development through academic institutions. As part of the ESTCube program, it aimed to demonstrate new technologies and capabilities in the nanosatellite domain. The University of Tartu's involvement highlights the growing role of universities in space research and development, particularly in smaller nations building their space capabilities. Despite the deployment failure, the project contributed to Estonia's space engineering expertise and educational programs in aerospace technology. The mission also underscored the challenges inherent in space launches, even for small satellite deployments, and provided valuable lessons for future Estonian space endeavors.

## Notable For
- First Estonian nanosatellite to be launched aboard a Vega rocket
- Part of Estonia's ESTCube satellite program development
- Technology demonstration mission built entirely by a university team
- Failed deployment case study for small satellite launch systems
- Solar-powered 3U CubeSat design from Eastern Europe

## Body
### Development and Construction
ESTCube-2 was developed by the University of Tartu as part of Estonia's growing space program. The satellite was constructed as a 3U CubeSat, meaning it consisted of three standard 10cm cubes, making it approximately 30cm x 10cm x 10cm in size. The University of Tartu served as both the manufacturer and operator of the spacecraft.

### Technical Specifications
The satellite was powered by solar cells, typical for CubeSat missions, allowing for sustainable power generation during its operational life. As a technology demonstration spacecraft, ESTCube-2 was designed to test various systems and capabilities relevant to nanosatellite operations.

### Launch Details
ESTCube-2 launched on October 9, 2023, at 01:36:25 UTC from the Ensemble de Lancement Vega launch site. The launch vehicle was a Vega rocket (VV23 mission). The satellite was intended to be deployed from this launch vehicle as part of a rideshare mission.

### Mission Outcome
The mission encountered a critical failure when ESTCube-2 did not successfully deploy from the launch vehicle after reaching orbit. This deployment failure resulted in the satellite remaining attached to the launch vehicle, leading to its eventual atmospheric re-entry on the same day as launch. The exact cause of the deployment failure was not specified in the available information.

### Program Context
ESTCube-2 was part of the broader ESTCube program, which represents Estonia's national effort in developing and launching small satellites. The program has been instrumental in building Estonia's capabilities in space technology and providing hands-on experience for students and researchers at the University of Tartu.

## Schema Markup
```json
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Thing",
  "name": "ESTCube-2",
  "description": "Estonian nanosatellite that failed to deploy after launch on October 9, 2023",
  "url": "https://www.estcube.eu/projekt/ESTCube-2",
  "sameAs": [
    "https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q105602302",
    "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ESTCube-2"
  ],
  "additionalType": "CubeSat",
  "manufacturer": "University of Tartu",
  "countryOfOrigin": "Estonia"
}

## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/estcube-2.htm)
2. Jonathan's Space Report
3. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/estcube-1.htm)