# FUNcube-1

> satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q15261051](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q15261051)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FUNcube-1)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/funcube-1

## Summary
FUNcube-1 is a CubeSat, a type of miniaturized satellite, launched on November 21, 2013, from Dombarovsky using a Dnepr rocket. Operated by AMSAT, it was designed to provide amateur radio enthusiasts with a platform for communication experiments in a sun-synchronous orbit.

## Key Facts
- **Instance of**: CubeSat and artificial satellite
- **Operator**: AMSAT (Amateur Radio Satellite Corporation)
- **Launch date**: November 21, 2013
- **Launch site**: Dombarovsky
- **Launch vehicle**: Dnepr
- **Orbit**: Sun-synchronous
- **COSPAR ID**: 2013-066AE
- **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN)**: 39444
- **Aliases**: FUNCUBE 1, AO-73
- **Wikipedia languages**: German, English, Indonesian, Luxembourgish

## FAQs
### Q: What is FUNcube-1?
A: FUNcube-1 is a CubeSat, a small satellite, launched in 2013 by AMSAT. It was designed to support amateur radio experiments and was placed in a sun-synchronous orbit.

### Q: Who operates FUNcube-1?
A: FUNcube-1 is operated by AMSAT (Amateur Radio Satellite Corporation), an organization dedicated to amateur radio and satellite communication.

### Q: How was FUNcube-1 launched?
A: FUNcube-1 was launched on November 21, 2013, from Dombarovsky using a Dnepr rocket, which is a converted ICBM (Intercontinental Ballistic Missile) used as a launch vehicle.

### Q: What is the orbit of FUNcube-1?
A: FUNcube-1 is in a sun-synchronous orbit, which means it passes over the same part of the Earth at the same local solar time each day.

### Q: What is the significance of FUNcube-1?
A: FUNcube-1 was significant as it provided a platform for amateur radio enthusiasts to conduct experiments in space, contributing to the field of satellite communication and education.

## Why It Matters
FUNcube-1 played a crucial role in amateur radio and satellite communication by offering a platform for experiments and educational outreach. As a CubeSat, it demonstrated the feasibility of using miniaturized satellites for scientific and technical research. Its sun-synchronous orbit ensured consistent communication opportunities for ground stations. The satellite was operated by AMSAT, a nonprofit organization promoting amateur radio, and its mission contributed to the broader goal of advancing space technology and fostering public engagement in space exploration.

## Notable For
- **First of its kind**: One of the first CubeSats to provide a platform for amateur radio experiments.
- **Sun-synchronous orbit**: Ensured consistent communication opportunities for ground stations.
- **Operated by AMSAT**: Contributed to the organization's mission of promoting amateur radio and satellite communication.
- **Miniaturized design**: Demonstrated the potential of CubeSat technology for scientific research.
- **Educational outreach**: Supported amateur radio enthusiasts and educational initiatives in space science.

## Body
### Overview
FUNcube-1 is a CubeSat, a type of miniaturized satellite, launched on November 21, 2013, from Dombarovsky using a Dnepr rocket. It was operated by AMSAT (Amateur Radio Satellite Corporation) and placed in a sun-synchronous orbit.

### Technical Specifications
- **Instance of**: CubeSat and artificial satellite
- **Operator**: AMSAT
- **Launch date**: November 21, 2013
- **Launch site**: Dombarovsky
- **Launch vehicle**: Dnepr
- **Orbit**: Sun-synchronous
- **COSPAR ID**: 2013-066AE
- **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN)**: 39444
- **Aliases**: FUNCUBE 1, AO-73

### Significance
FUNcube-1 was significant for its role in amateur radio and satellite communication, providing a platform for experiments and educational outreach. Its sun-synchronous orbit ensured consistent communication opportunities for ground stations.

### Wikipedia and Online Presence
- **Wikipedia title**: FUNcube-1
- **Wikipedia languages**: German, English, Indonesian, Luxembourgish
- **Sitelink count**: 4

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report