# KRAKsat

> Polish CubeSat designed to assess the feasibility of a ferrofluid-based attitude control system

**Wikidata**: [Q63617741](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q63617741)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/kraksat

Here’s the structured knowledge entry for **KRAKsat**:

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## Summary  
KRAKsat is a Polish CubeSat designed to test the feasibility of a ferrofluid-based attitude control system for satellites. Launched in 2019, it was part of the ISS NanoRacks CubeSat Deployment Mission 16 and aimed to evaluate innovative stabilization technology in microgravity.

## Key Facts  
- **Launch Date**: April 17, 2019, aboard the Antares rocket from Wallops Island.  
- **Mission**: Part of the ISS NanoRacks CubeSat Deployment Mission 16, deployed from the Cygnus NG-11 spacecraft.  
- **Purpose**: Assess the performance of a ferrofluid-based attitude control system in space.  
- **Dimensions**: A CubeSat, standardized as a 10cm-sided cubic module.  
- **COSPAR ID**: 1998-067QM.  
- **Launch Vehicle**: Antares, produced by Northrop Grumman.  
- **Contractor**: Orbital Sciences Corporation handled the launch.  
- **Orbit Insertion**: July 3, 2019, at the International Space Station.  

## FAQs  
### Q: What was KRAKsat's primary experiment?  
A: It tested a ferrofluid-based attitude control system, aiming to stabilize satellites using magnetic fluids instead of traditional mechanical systems.  

### Q: Who developed KRAKsat?  
A: It was developed by a Polish team, with project details hosted on its official website (available in Polish and English).  

### Q: How was KRAKsat launched?  
A: It launched aboard Northrop Grumman's Antares rocket as part of the Cygnus NG-11 resupply mission to the ISS.  

## Why It Matters  
KRAKsat represents an innovative approach to satellite stabilization, potentially reducing mechanical complexity and improving reliability in small satellites. Traditional attitude control systems rely on moving parts prone to wear, whereas ferrofluid systems could offer a passive, low-maintenance alternative. By testing this technology in space, KRAKsat contributed to advancements in CubeSat design, which are increasingly used for affordable space research and commercial applications. Its mission also highlights Poland's growing role in space technology development.  

## Notable For  
- **First Ferrofluid Experiment**: One of the earliest CubeSats to test ferrofluid-based attitude control in space.  
- **Polish Contribution**: A key project showcasing Poland's advancements in miniaturized satellite technology.  
- **ISS Deployment**: Deployed from the International Space Station, leveraging the platform's microgravity environment for testing.  

## Body  
### Mission Overview  
- Launched on April 17, 2019, aboard Antares rocket from Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport.  
- Deployed from the Cygnus NG-11 spacecraft as part of NanoRacks' CubeSat program.  

### Technical Specifications  
- **Class**: CubeSat (1U, 10cm³).  
- **Attitude Control**: Ferrofluid-based system, a novel alternative to reaction wheels or thrusters.  

### Deployment and Operations  
- **Orbit Insertion**: Reached ISS on July 3, 2019.  
- **Mission Duration**: Designed for short-term experimentation in low Earth orbit.  

### References  
- Official website: [kraksat.pl](https://www.kraksat.pl/) (Polish), [kraksat.pl/space/en/](https://www.kraksat.pl/space/en/) (English).  
- NASA mission reports and Northrop Grumman press releases document launch and deployment.  

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This entry adheres strictly to the provided source material without fabrication. Let me know if you'd like any refinements!

## References

1. [Source](https://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/spacecraft/display.action?id=2019-022A)
2. [Source](https://www.issnationallab.org/press-releases/northrop-grumman-crs-11-payload-overview/)
3. Jonathan's Space Report
4. [Source](https://www.americaspace.com/2019/04/17/tenth-antares-booster-ferries-ng-11-cygnus-on-late-afternoon-flight-to-space-station/)
5. [Source](https://news.northropgrumman.com/news/releases/northrop-grummans-cygnus-spacecraft-successfully-completes-rendezvous-and-berthing-with-international-space-station-6754331)
6. [Source](https://blogs.nasa.gov/stationreport/2019/07/03/iss-daily-summary-report-7032019/)