# Miniature X-ray Solar Spectrometer CubeSat (MinXSS)

> artificial satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q26155813](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q26155813)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miniature_X-ray_Solar_Spectrometer_CubeSat)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/miniature-x-ray-solar-spectrometer-cubesat-minxss

## Summary
Miniature X-ray Solar Spectrometer CubeSat (MinXSS) is an artificial satellite. It is an instance of a CubeSat, a miniaturized satellite, developed and operated by the University of Colorado Boulder. MinXSS was launched on December 6, 2015.

## Key Facts
- Aliases: MinXSS
- Instance of: CubeSat (a miniaturized satellite made up of 10cm-sided cubic modules)
- Developer: University of Colorado Boulder
- Operator: University of Colorado Boulder
- Launch Date: 2015-12-06
- Launch Vehicle: Atlas V 401 (a United Launch Alliance launch vehicle)
- Country: United States
- COSPAR ID: 1998-067HU
- SCN: 41474
- Image: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/MinXSS_Flight_Model_1.jpg

## FAQs
### Q: What is Miniature X-ray Solar Spectrometer CubeSat (MinXSS)?
A: Miniature X-ray Solar Spectrometer CubeSat (MinXSS) is an artificial satellite. It is a CubeSat, a type of miniaturized satellite, developed and operated by the University of Colorado Boulder.

### Q: When was MinXSS launched?
A: MinXSS was launched on December 6, 2015. This event is recorded as a significant event in its history.

### Q: Who developed and operates MinXSS?
A: MinXSS was developed and is operated by the University of Colorado Boulder. It is associated with the United States.

### Q: What type of satellite is MinXSS?
A: MinXSS is an instance of a CubeSat. CubeSats are miniaturized satellites constructed from 10cm-sided cubic modules.

### Q: What launch vehicle was used for MinXSS?
A: MinXSS was launched using an Atlas V 401. This is a launch vehicle provided by United Launch Alliance.

## Why It Matters
Miniature X-ray Solar Spectrometer CubeSat (MinXSS) is significant as an artificial satellite that falls under the classification of a CubeSat. CubeSats represent a modern approach to space exploration and research, offering a platform for scientific instruments and technology demonstrations in a miniaturized, standardized, and often more cost-effective format compared to larger traditional satellites. The "X-ray Solar Spectrometer" in its name indicates its specialized function, implying its role in observing solar X-ray emissions. Its development and operation by the University of Colorado Boulder highlight the contributions of academic institutions to space science and engineering, fostering innovation and providing opportunities for research within the CubeSat framework. MinXSS contributes to the growing field of small satellite missions, demonstrating the capabilities of compact platforms for specific scientific objectives.

## Notable For
- Being an artificial satellite classified as a CubeSat.
- Its development and operation by the University of Colorado Boulder.
- Its launch on December 6, 2015, using an Atlas V 401 launch vehicle.
- Its designation as an "X-ray Solar Spectrometer," indicating a specialized observation capability within a miniaturized satellite platform.

## Body

### Overview
- Miniature X-ray Solar Spectrometer CubeSat (MinXSS) is an artificial satellite.
- It is also known by its alias, MinXSS.
- MinXSS is an instance of a CubeSat, which is a miniaturized satellite made up of 10cm-sided cubic modules.
- The entity was developed by the University of Colorado Boulder.
- It is operated by the University of Colorado Boulder.
- MinXSS is associated with the country of the United States.

### Launch Details
- The launch date for MinXSS was 2015-12-06.
- The launch vehicle used was the Atlas V 401, which is a United Launch Alliance launch vehicle.
- A significant event in its history is its rocket launch, which occurred on 2015-12-06.

### Identifiers
- The SCN (Satellite Catalog Number) for MinXSS is 41474.
- Its COSPAR ID is 1998-067HU.
- The Google Knowledge Graph ID for MinXSS is /g/11c0r5z1ts.
- Its Wolfram Language Entity Code is Entity["Satellite", "41474"].

### Related Entities
- **CubeSat**: A class of miniaturized satellite made up of 10cm-sided cubic modules.
- **Atlas V 401**: A class of United Launch Alliance launch vehicle.

### Metadata
- The Wikipedia title for this entity is "Miniature X-ray Solar Spectrometer CubeSat".
- It has Wikipedia pages available in English (en).
- Its Wikidata description is "artificial satellite".
- The entity has a sitelink count of 1.
- An image of MinXSS is available at https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/MinXSS_Flight_Model_1.jpg.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report