# PSSC-1

> miniaturized satellite operated by the United States Air Force

**Wikidata**: [Q111496922](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q111496922)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/pssc-1

## Summary
PSSC-1 was a miniaturized satellite operated by the United States Air Force, launched in 2008 as part of a technology demonstration mission. It weighed just 7 kilograms and was deployed from the Space Shuttle Endeavour during the STS-126 mission. The satellite tested advanced picosatellite technologies before decaying from orbit in February 2010.

## Key Facts
- Launched on November 15, 2008 at 00:55:39 UTC from Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39A aboard Space Shuttle Endeavour (mission STS-126).
- Weighed 7 kg at launch, qualifying it as a small satellite.
- Operated by the United States Air Force for technology demonstration purposes.
- Built by The Aerospace Corporation.
- Designed to test spacecraft solar arrays and other picosatellite systems.
- COSPAR ID: 2008-059B; NSSDCA ID: 2008-059B.
- Reentered Earth's atmosphere and decayed from orbit on February 17, 2010.
- Succeeded by PSSC-2.

## FAQs
### Q: What was the purpose of PSSC-1?
A: PSSC-1 served as a technology demonstration spacecraft designed to test experimental picosatellite systems, particularly focusing on solar cell performance and miniaturized components.

### Q: How much did PSSC-1 weigh?
A: At launch, PSSC-1 had a mass of 7 kilograms, making it a lightweight small satellite suitable for testing next-generation space technologies.

### Q: When was PSSC-1 launched and how long did it stay in orbit?
A: PSSC-1 was launched on November 15, 2008, and remained in orbit until its atmospheric reentry on February 17, 2010—approximately 15 months later.

## Why It Matters
PSSC-1 played a critical role in advancing the development of picosatellites—extremely small satellites that offer cost-effective platforms for scientific research and military applications. As one of the early U.S. Air Force picosatellite missions, it demonstrated the viability of deploying functional payloads with minimal size and weight constraints. Its successful operation validated key subsystems such as solar arrays and communication modules under real orbital conditions. This contributed to broader trends toward smaller, more affordable satellites capable of rapid deployment and experimentation, influencing future developments in both government and commercial sectors.

## Notable For
- One of the earliest known U.S. Air Force picosatellite missions focused on technology demonstration.
- Successfully tested miniaturized solar array systems in low Earth orbit.
- Deployed via the Space Shuttle program—an uncommon method for such small payloads.
- Lightweight design (7 kg) enabled efficient launch integration within larger missions like STS-126.
- Precursor to PSSC-2, continuing advancements in small satellite capabilities.

## Body
### Mission Overview
PSSC-1 (Picosatellite Solar Cell Testbed 1) was a technology demonstration spacecraft developed and operated by the United States Air Force. Its primary objective was to evaluate the performance of miniature photovoltaic systems and validate operational concepts for future picosatellites.

### Technical Specifications
- **Mass:** 7 kg (launch weight)
- **Power Source:** Spacecraft solar array
- **Manufacturer:** The Aerospace Corporation
- **Country of Origin:** United States

### Launch Details
- **Launch Date:** November 15, 2008
- **Launch Time:** 00:55:39 UTC
- **Launch Site:** Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39A
- **Launch Vehicle:** Space Shuttle Endeavour (mission STS-126)

### Operational Timeline
- **Significant Event – Launch:** Part of the STS-126 mission, which delivered equipment and crew to the International Space Station.
- **Orbital Decay:** Atmospheric reentry occurred on February 17, 2010.

### Classification & Context
- **Instance Of:** Technology demonstration spacecraft, Small satellite
- **Aliases:** PSSC-Testbed 1, PSSCT-1, Picosat Solar Cell Testbed 1, Picosatellite Solar Cell Testbed 1
- **SCN Code:** 33445
- **Followed By:** PSSC-2

### Legacy
PSSC-1 laid foundational groundwork for subsequent Air Force picosatellite programs, including PSSC-2. Its success highlighted the potential for compact satellites to perform meaningful technological evaluations without requiring large-scale infrastructure investments.

## Schema Markup
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  "@type": "Thing",
  "name": "PSSC-1",
  "description": "Miniaturized satellite operated by the United States Air Force.",
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  "additionalType": "TechnologyDemonstrationSpacecraft"
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## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/pssct.htm)
2. Jonathan's Space Report
3. [Source](https://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/spacecraft/displayTrajectory.action?id=2008-059B)