# GRBBeta

> Slovakian/Hungarian technology demonstration CubeSat

**Wikidata**: [Q127459087](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q127459087)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/grbbeta

## Summary
GRBBeta is a Slovakian/Hungarian technology demonstration CubeSat launched in 2024 to test experimental technologies in space. It is a 2U CubeSat (two 10cm-sided cubic modules) weighing 2 kg, developed by the Technical University of Košice as a follow-up to the GRBAlpha mission.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: July 9, 2024, at 19:00 UTC aboard an Ariane 62 rocket (flight VA262) from ELA-4.
- **Classification**: Technology demonstration spacecraft and CubeSat (2U configuration).
- **Mass**: 2 kilograms.
- **Operator/Manufacturer**: Technical University of Košice (Slovakia).
- **Predecessor**: GRBAlpha, a gamma-ray burst detection nanosatellite.
- **COPSAR ID**: 2024-128C.
- **Website**: [Slovak](https://grbbeta.tuke.sk/), [English](https://grbbeta.tuke.sk/index.php/en/home/).

## FAQs
### Q: What is the purpose of GRBBeta?
A: GRBBeta is a technology demonstration CubeSat designed to test experimental technologies in space, building on the GRBAlpha mission’s gamma-ray burst detection capabilities.

### Q: When and how was GRBBeta launched?
A: It was launched on July 9, 2024, at 19:00 UTC using an Ariane 62 rocket (flight VA262) from the ELA-4 launch site.

### Q: Who operates GRBBeta?
A: The Technical University of Košice in Slovakia operates and manufactured the satellite.

### Q: What is the size and mass of GRBBeta?
A: It is a 2U CubeSat (two 10cm-sided cubic units) with a mass of 2 kilograms.

### Q: What was the predecessor to GRBBeta?
A: GRBAlpha, a gamma-ray burst detection nanosatellite developed by Slovakia and Hungary.

## Why It Matters
GRBBeta represents a significant step in Slovakia and Hungary’s space technology development, demonstrating advancements in miniaturized satellite systems. As a follow-up to GRBAlpha, it continues the exploration of gamma-ray burst detection and other experimental technologies in a cost-effective CubeSat format. Its successful launch aboard the inaugural Ariane 62 flight highlights its role in validating new launch vehicle capabilities and fostering international collaboration in space research. By testing cutting-edge technologies in orbit, GRBBeta contributes to the broader field of astrophysics and small satellite innovation, paving the way for future missions with enhanced scientific and operational capabilities.

## Notable For
- **Firsts**: One of the first payloads launched on the Ariane 62 rocket, marking a milestone for European spaceflight.
- **Innovation**: A 2U CubeSat demonstrating experimental technologies, including potential gamma-ray burst detection improvements.
- **Collaboration**: A joint Slovakian-Hungarian project, showcasing regional cooperation in space technology.
- **Educational Role**: Developed by the Technical University of Košice, emphasizing academic contributions to space research.
- **Lightweight Design**: Weighs only 2 kg, exemplifying the efficiency of modern CubeSat engineering.

## Body
### Overview
GRBBeta is a technology demonstration CubeSat developed by the Technical University of Košice in Slovakia, with contributions from Hungary. It serves as a successor to GRBAlpha, focusing on testing experimental technologies in low Earth orbit.

### Launch and Deployment
- **Launch Date**: July 9, 2024, at 19:00 UTC.
- **Launch Vehicle**: Ariane 62 (flight VA262).
- **Launch Site**: ELA-4 (Ensemble de Lancement Ariane 4) in French Guiana.
- **Space Tug**: ULPM H30 (used for deployment).
- **COPSAR ID**: 2024-128C.

### Technical Specifications
- **Type**: 2U CubeSat (two 10cm-sided cubic units).
- **Mass**: 2 kilograms.
- **Volume**: 2 CubeSat units (2U).
- **Operator/Manufacturer**: Technical University of Košice.

### Mission and Objectives
GRBBeta aims to demonstrate new technologies in space, particularly in the field of gamma-ray burst detection and small satellite operations. It builds on the legacy of GRBAlpha, which was designed to detect gamma-ray bursts using miniaturized instruments.

### Related Entities
- **Predecessor**: GRBAlpha (gamma-ray burst detection nanosatellite).
- **Launch Vehicle**: Ariane 62 (European launch vehicle).
- **Class**: CubeSat and technology demonstration spacecraft.

### Online Presence
- **Official Website (Slovak)**: [https://grbbeta.tuke.sk/](https://grbbeta.tuke.sk/)
- **Official Website (English)**: [https://grbbeta.tuke.sk/index.php/en/home/](https://grbbeta.tuke.sk/index.php/en/home/)

## Schema Markup
```json
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Thing",
  "name": "GRBBeta",
  "description": "Slovakian/Hungarian technology demonstration CubeSat launched in 2024.",
  "url": "https://grbbeta.tuke.sk/",
  "sameAs": [
    "https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q122828940",
    "https://sk.wikipedia.org/wiki/GRBBeta"
  ],
  "additionalType": [
    "https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q20852690",  // CubeSat
    "https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q184423"     // Technology demonstration spacecraft
  ]
}

## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/grbbeta.htm)
2. SATCAT
3. [Source](https://nextspaceflight.com/launches/details/444)
4. Jonathan's Space Report
5. [Source](https://grbbeta.tuke.sk/)
6. [Source](https://www.spacemanic.com/missions/)
7. [Ariane 6 launches GRBBeta: small satellite, big astrophysics. 2024](https://www.esa.int/Enabling_Support/Space_Transportation/Ariane/Ariane_6_launches_GRBBeta_small_satellite_big_astrophysics)