# GreenCube

> Italian technology demonstration and amateur radio CubeSat

**Wikidata**: [Q115329403](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q115329403)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/greencube

## Summary
GreenCube is a CubeSat developed by Sapienza University of Rome and sponsored by the Italian Space Agency. Launched on July 13, 2022, it is an amateur radio satellite and digipeater, operating in a low Earth orbit. It was deployed using the Vega C launch vehicle and serves as part of the OSCAR series of satellites.

## Key Facts
- **Type**: CubeSat, amateur radio satellite, digipeater, OSCAR satellite
- **Designed by**: Sapienza University of Rome
- **Sponsor**: Italian Space Agency
- **Launch date**: July 13, 2022
- **Launch vehicle**: Vega C
- **Orbital period**: 224.1 minutes
- **Orbital inclination**: 70.2 degrees
- **Apoapsis**: 5,861.5 km
- **Periapsis**: 5,839.6 km
- **State of use**: In operation
- **Country of origin**: Italy

## FAQs
### Q: What is GreenCube's primary purpose?
A: GreenCube is an amateur radio satellite and digipeater, designed to support communication experiments and amateur radio operations in space.

### Q: Who developed GreenCube?
A: GreenCube was developed by Sapienza University of Rome, with sponsorship from the Italian Space Agency.

### Q: How was GreenCube launched?
A: GreenCube was launched on July 13, 2022, using the Vega C orbital launch vehicle.

### Q: What is GreenCube's orbital characteristics?
A: GreenCube operates in a low Earth orbit with an orbital period of 224.1 minutes, an inclination of 70.2 degrees, an apoapsis of 5,861.5 km, and a periapsis of 5,839.6 km.

### Q: Is GreenCube still operational?
A: Yes, GreenCube is currently in use and actively supporting amateur radio communications.

## Why It Matters
GreenCube contributes to the growing field of CubeSats and amateur radio satellites, providing a platform for experimental communication technologies. As part of the OSCAR series, it supports the broader mission of advancing amateur radio in space. Its deployment via the Vega C launch vehicle highlights the collaboration between academic institutions and space agencies in developing small satellite missions. GreenCube’s role as a digipeater enhances its utility for amateur radio operators, enabling long-distance communication through space-based relay. This mission underscores the importance of small satellites in expanding access to space-based services and fostering innovation in satellite technology.

## Notable For
- **First of its kind**: One of the first CubeSats developed by Sapienza University of Rome.
- **Amateur radio focus**: Specializes in digipeater functionality, aiding amateur radio communications.
- **Vega C deployment**: Successfully launched and deployed using the Vega C launch vehicle.
- **OSCAR series inclusion**: Part of the long-standing OSCAR series of amateur radio satellites.
- **Italian collaboration**: Sponsored by the Italian Space Agency, reflecting Italy’s contributions to space technology.

## Body
### Overview
GreenCube is a CubeSat designed and built by Sapienza University of Rome, with sponsorship from the Italian Space Agency. It was launched on July 13, 2022, aboard the Vega C launch vehicle, marking a significant milestone in the university’s space research efforts.

### Technical Specifications
- **Orbit**: Low Earth orbit with an orbital period of 224.1 minutes.
- **Inclination**: 70.2 degrees.
- **Apoapsis**: 5,861.5 km.
- **Periapsis**: 5,839.6 km.
- **Function**: Serves as an amateur radio satellite and digipeater, facilitating communication experiments.

### Mission and Operations
- **Primary mission**: Support amateur radio communications and experimental space-based technologies.
- **State of use**: Currently operational and in use.
- **Significant event**: Launched on July 13, 2022, via the Vega C launch vehicle.

### Classification and Relationships
- **Classifications**: CubeSat, amateur radio satellite, digipeater, OSCAR satellite.
- **Related entities**: Part of the broader CubeSat and OSCAR satellite families, leveraging existing frameworks for amateur radio in space.

### Historical Context
- **Launch**: Deployed on July 13, 2022, using the Vega C launch vehicle.
- **Sponsorship**: Supported by the Italian Space Agency, reflecting Italy’s role in space exploration and technology development.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report
2. [Source](https://www.n2yo.com/satellite/?s=53106)