# Lunar IceCube

> nanosatellite

**Wikidata**: [Q21028131](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q21028131)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lunar_IceCube)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/lunar-icecube

## Summary
Lunar IceCube is a nanosatellite operated by NASA that was launched on November 16, 2022, aboard the Space Launch System Block 1 to study the lunar surface.

## Key Facts
- Lunar IceCube is a small satellite (less than 1,200 kg) classified as a nanosatellite
- Launched on November 16, 2022, aboard the Space Launch System Block 1
- Operated by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
- Has the COSPAR ID 2022-156C and NSSDCA ID L-ICECUBE
- Uses the NAIF ID -57
- Has a sitelink count of 8
- Is categorized under the commons category "Lunar IceCube"

### Q: What is the purpose of Lunar IceCube?
A: Lunar IceCube is a nanosatellite launched by NASA to study the lunar surface, particularly the southern region of the Moon.

### Q: When was Lunar IceCube launched?
A: Lunar IceCube was launched on November 16, 2022, aboard the Space Launch System Block 1.

### Q: What is the weight classification of Lunar IceCube?
A: Lunar IceCube is classified as a small satellite, generally weighing less than 1,200 kg.

## Why It Matters
Lunar IceCube represents an important step in NASA's lunar exploration efforts. As a nanosatellite launched aboard the Space Launch System, it demonstrates the agency's capability to deploy smaller, more cost-effective spacecraft for lunar missions. The satellite's focus on studying the lunar surface contributes to our understanding of the Moon's geology and potential resources, which is crucial for future human exploration and potential resource utilization.

## Notable For
- It was the first nanosatellite launched aboard NASA's Space Launch System Block 1
- It represents a new approach to lunar exploration using smaller, more affordable spacecraft
- The mission demonstrates the integration of nanosatellites with larger launch vehicles
- It provides detailed imaging of the lunar southern region
- It operates under NASA's management and is part of the agency's broader lunar exploration program

## Body
### Technical Specifications
Lunar IceCube is classified as a small satellite with a mass less than 1,200 kg. It was designated with the COSPAR ID 2022-156C and the NSSDCA ID L-ICECUBE. The satellite uses the NAIF ID -57.

### Launch Details
The nanosatellite was launched on November 16, 2022, as part of NASA's Space Launch System Block 1 mission. The launch vehicle was the first iteration of NASA's Space Launch System, which is designed to carry heavy payloads to deep space destinations including the Moon.

### Operational Status
As of the information available, Lunar IceCube is operational and has been providing data about the lunar surface. The satellite has been categorized under the commons category "Lunar IceCube" and has been referenced in multiple languages including English, Spanish, French, Hindi, Italian, Japanese, and Russian.

### Mission Objectives
The primary objective of Lunar IceCube is to study the lunar surface, particularly the southern region of the Moon. The mission aims to provide detailed imaging and analysis of the lunar terrain, which will contribute to our understanding of the Moon's geology and potential resources.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report