# Fox-1E

> American amateur radio satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q105392663](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q105392663)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fox-1E)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/fox-1e

## Summary
Fox-1E is an American amateur radio satellite launched on January 17, 2021, as part of the Educational Launch of Nanosatellites (ELaNa) program. It is a CubeSat weighing 1.3 kilograms and operates in low Earth orbit, primarily serving as a platform for amateur radio communications and radiation effects research.

## Key Facts
- **Type**: Amateur radio satellite and CubeSat (miniaturized satellite made up of 10cm-sided cubic modules).
- **Mass**: 1.3 kilograms.
- **Launch Date**: January 17, 2021, at 19:38:51 UTC.
- **Launch Vehicle**: LauncherOne (Rocket R03) from Virgin Orbit.
- **Launch Site**: Mojave Air and Space Port at Rutan Field, aboard the Spirit of Mojave.
- **Operators**: AMSAT and Vanderbilt University.
- **Manufacturer**: AMSAT.
- **Orbit**: Low Earth orbit.
- **Service Entry**: July 20, 2021, when it became operational for amateur use.
- **Aliases**: AO-109, RadFxSat-2, AMSAT OSCAR 109, Radiation Effects Satellite 2, OSCAR 109, AO109.
- **Country of Origin**: United States.

## FAQs
### Q: What is Fox-1E, and what does it do?
A: Fox-1E is an American amateur radio satellite launched in 2021. It serves as a platform for amateur radio communications and conducts radiation effects research in low Earth orbit.

### Q: Who operates Fox-1E?
A: Fox-1E is operated by AMSAT (Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation) and Vanderbilt University.

### Q: How was Fox-1E launched?
A: Fox-1E was launched on January 17, 2021, aboard a LauncherOne rocket (Rocket R03) from the Mojave Air and Space Port at Rutan Field.

### Q: What is the significance of Fox-1E?
A: Fox-1E is notable as part of the Fox series of amateur radio satellites, contributing to the advancement of amateur radio communications and space research.

### Q: What is the mass of Fox-1E?
A: Fox-1E has a mass of 1.3 kilograms, making it a lightweight CubeSat.

## Why It Matters
Fox-1E plays a crucial role in amateur radio communications by providing a platform for enthusiasts to experiment with satellite-based radio transmissions. As part of the Fox series, it supports the development of new technologies and educational initiatives in space science. Additionally, its radiation effects research contributes to understanding the challenges of operating satellites in space. By operating in low Earth orbit, Fox-1E enables global amateur radio operators to engage in long-distance communications, fostering a community of radio enthusiasts and advancing the field of amateur radio satellite communications.

## Notable For
- **First operational amateur radio satellite in the Fox series**, contributing to the growth of amateur radio satellite communications.
- **Part of the Educational Launch of Nanosatellites (ELaNa) program**, demonstrating the feasibility of CubeSat missions for educational and research purposes.
- **Conducts radiation effects research**, providing data on the impact of space radiation on satellite components.
- **Operated by AMSAT and Vanderbilt University**, showcasing collaboration between amateur radio organizations and academic institutions.
- **Launched on LauncherOne**, marking a significant milestone for the commercial small satellite launch industry.

## Body
### Overview
Fox-1E is a CubeSat designed for amateur radio communications and radiation effects research. Launched on January 17, 2021, it is part of the Fox series of satellites developed by AMSAT (Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation) and Vanderbilt University.

### Technical Specifications
- **Mass**: 1.3 kilograms.
- **Dimensions**: 10cm-sided cubic modules (standard for CubeSats).
- **Orbit**: Low Earth orbit.
- **Launch Vehicle**: LauncherOne (Rocket R03) from Virgin Orbit.
- **Launch Site**: Mojave Air and Space Port at Rutan Field, aboard the Spirit of Mojave.

### Mission Details
- **Primary Mission**: Amateur radio communications and radiation effects research.
- **Service Entry**: July 20, 2021, when it became operational for amateur use.
- **Operators**: AMSAT and Vanderbilt University.
- **Manufacturer**: AMSAT.

### Significance
- **Amateur Radio Community**: Fox-1E supports amateur radio enthusiasts in long-distance communications.
- **Educational Impact**: Part of the ELaNa program, it promotes space science education.
- **Technological Advancement**: Contributes to the development of CubeSat technology and radiation-resistant spacecraft.

### Aliases and Identifiers
- **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN)**: 47311.
- **COSPAR ID**: 2021-002C.
- **NSSDCA ID**: 2021-002C.
- **Other Names**: AO-109, RadFxSat-2, AMSAT OSCAR 109, Radiation Effects Satellite 2, OSCAR 109, AO109.

### References
- **Launch Details**: Provided by Virgin Orbit and Spaceflight Now.
- **Technical Specifications**: Documented on the Skyrocket website.
- **Operational Status**: Confirmed by AMSAT.

## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/fox-1e.htm)
2. [Source](https://spaceflightnow.com/2021/01/16/nasa-takes-a-chance-on-virgin-orbit-with-companys-second-orbital-test-launch/)
3. Jonathan's Space Report
4. [Source](https://www.amsat.org/ao-109-radfxsat-2-amsat-fox-1e-open-for-amateur-use/)