# IDEASSat

> Ionospheric Dynamics Explorer and Attitude Subsystem Satellite is a cubesat project. t is to measure the ionosphere activity which will affect satellite and terrestrial communication

**Wikidata**: [Q113274223](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q113274223)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/ideassat

## Summary
IDEASSat (Ionospheric Dynamics Explorer and Attitude Subsystem Satellite) is a CubeSat project designed to measure activity in the ionosphere. Its primary mission is to study ionospheric variations that impact satellite and terrestrial communication systems. The spacecraft was launched on January 24, 2021, aboard a Falcon 9 rocket.

## Key Facts
- **Full Name:** Ionospheric Dynamics Explorer and Attitude Subsystem Satellite
- **Classification:** CubeSat (miniaturized satellite consisting of 10cm-sided cubic modules)
- **Launch Date:** January 24, 2021
- **Launch Vehicle:** Falcon 9 (SpaceX)
- **Launch Site:** Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 17
- **COSPAR ID:** 2021-006AX
- **NSSDCA ID:** 2021006AX
- **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN):** 47458
- **Primary Mission:** Measuring ionosphere activity to understand its effect on communication

## FAQs
### Q: What is the primary function of IDEASSat?
A: IDEASSat is designed to measure ionospheric activity. The data collected helps scientists understand how the ionosphere affects both satellite and terrestrial communication.

### Q: When and how was IDEASSat launched?
A: IDEASSat was launched on January 24, 2021. It was delivered to orbit by a Falcon 9 rocket launching from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 17.

### Q: What type of spacecraft is IDEASSat?
A: IDEASSat is a CubeSat, which is a class of miniaturized spacecraft built using standard units of 10cm-sided cubic modules.

## Why It Matters
IDEASSat serves a critical role in space weather research by directly addressing the challenges posed by ionospheric dynamics. The ionosphere is a layer of Earth's atmosphere that can fluctuate significantly, potentially disrupting the radio frequencies used for critical satellite and terrestrial communication. By monitoring this activity, IDEASSat provides essential data to mitigate these disruptions.

Furthermore, as a CubeSat, IDEASSat represents the growing capability of small-scale, cost-effective satellites to perform meaningful scientific research. Its successful deployment via a commercial Falcon 9 rocket highlights the integration of academic and scientific payloads into the broader commercial space ecosystem. The mission demonstrates how compact satellite technology can be utilized to study complex atmospheric phenomena that have direct implications for global telecommunications and navigation infrastructure.

## Notable For
- **Specialized Mission:** Focuses specifically on ionospheric dynamics and their impact on communication infrastructure.
- **CubeSat Classification:** Represents the utilization of miniaturized, modular satellite technology (10cm cubes) for scientific exploration.
- **Ride-share Launch:** Launched as part of a mission utilizing the Falcon 9, a partially reusable orbital launch vehicle.
- **Specific Tracking:** Uniquely identified in space catalogs via its specific COSPAR ID (2021-006AX) and SCN (47458).

## Body
### Mission Objectives
The Ionospheric Dynamics Explorer and Attitude Subsystem Satellite (IDEASSat) is a scientific spacecraft developed as a CubeSat project. Its core objective is to measure and analyze activity within the ionosphere. This layer of the atmosphere is crucial for radio communication; variations in its density and composition can interfere with signals. IDEASSat aims to quantify these variations to improve the reliability of satellite and terrestrial communication systems.

### Technical Specifications
IDEASSat is classified as a CubeSat. This standard defines a miniaturized satellite format composed of one or more cubic units, each measuring 10 cm on a side. This form factor allows for reduced costs and standardized deployment mechanisms compared to traditional larger satellites.

### Launch and Deployment
The satellite was successfully launched on January 24, 2021. The launch vehicle used was the Falcon 9, a partially reusable orbital rocket manufactured by SpaceX in the United States. The specific departure point for the mission was Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 17.

### Identification and Tracking
Post-deployment, IDEASSat was assigned standard international identifiers to track its orbital path:
- **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN):** 47458
- **COSPAR International Designator:** 2021-006AX
- **NSSDCA ID:** 2021006AX

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report