# RadCube

> european CubeSat for demonstrating space weather-related technologies

**Wikidata**: [Q113252333](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q113252333)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RadCube)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/radcube

## Summary
RadCube is a European CubeSat launched to demonstrate technologies for monitoring space weather, which affects satellite operations and Earth-based infrastructure. It was deployed in 2021 aboard a Vega rocket to test instruments designed to analyze radiation and plasma in low Earth orbit. As a CubeSat, it represents a low-cost, compact approach to space technology validation.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: August 17, 2021
- **Launch Vehicle**: Vega (retired European orbital launch vehicle)
- **COSPAR ID**: 2021-073B
- **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN)**: 49067
- **Type**: CubeSat (composed of 10cm-sided cubic modules)
- **Primary Mission**: Demonstrate space weather-related technologies
- **Wikipedia Coverage**: Available in English and Latvian

## FAQs
### Q: When was RadCube launched?
A: RadCube was launched on August 17, 2021, aboard a Vega rocket.

### Q: What was the primary purpose of RadCube?
A: RadCube aimed to demonstrate technologies for monitoring space weather, which impacts satellites, communications, and power grids.

### Q: What type of satellite is RadCube?
A: RadCube is a CubeSat, a class of miniaturized satellites built from 10cm-sided modular units.

## Why It Matters
RadCube contributes to advancing our understanding of space weather—dynamic solar and geomagnetic conditions that threaten satellites, astronauts, and ground infrastructure. By testing compact radiation and plasma sensors in space, it supports the development of cost-effective monitoring systems. This mission aligns with broader efforts to mitigate risks to critical technologies in orbit and on Earth, underscoring the importance of resilient space-based infrastructure. As a CubeSat, RadCube also highlights the versatility of small satellites in accelerating innovation and lowering barriers to space research.

## Notable For
- First European mission dedicated to validating space weather monitoring technologies in a CubeSat form factor.
- Utilized the Vega launch vehicle, a key component of Europe’s space transportation network before its retirement.
- Demonstrated the feasibility of deploying radiation and plasma sensors in low Earth orbit using affordable, modular hardware.
- Represents collaboration across European institutions to address global challenges in space sustainability.

## Body
### Launch Details
- **Date**: August 17, 2021
- **Rocket**: Vega (flight VV19), launched from the Guiana Space Centre in French Guiana.
- **Deployment**: Part of a rideshare mission, emphasizing cost-effective access to space.

### Mission Objectives
- Test compact instruments for measuring radiation and plasma in low Earth orbit.
- Validate technologies for monitoring space weather events, such as solar flares and geomagnetic storms.
- Provide data to improve forecasts of space weather impacts on satellites and terrestrial systems.

### Technical Specifications
- **Class**: CubeSat (1U or larger, based on 10cm modular units)
- **Identifiers**:
  - **COSPAR ID**: 2021-073B
  - **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN)**: 49067
- **Payload**: Specialized sensors for radiation and plasma detection.

### Legacy
- RadCube’s mission supports the development of resilient satellite systems and space weather forecasting tools.
- Its use of a CubeSat platform reinforces the role of small satellites in rapid, low-cost technology demonstration.
- The mission aligns with international efforts to safeguard space exploration and Earth-based technologies from space weather disruptions.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report