# RaInCube

> 6U CubeSat

**Wikidata**: [Q57056876](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q57056876)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RaInCube)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/raincube

## Summary
RaInCube was a 6U CubeSat weather satellite developed by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. It was launched in 2018 to demonstrate a compact radar instrument for measuring precipitation in Earth's atmosphere.

## Key Facts
- RaInCube was a 6U CubeSat satellite launched on May 21, 2018 at 08:44:06
- It was operated by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
- The satellite was developed by Jet Propulsion Laboratory and Tyvak International
- RaInCube was launched using an Antares rocket from Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport Launch Pad 0
- The mission concluded on December 23, 2020, after approximately 2.5 years of operation
- RaInCube was classified as both a weather satellite and an artificial satellite
- It had an orbital inclination of 51.6 degrees and was powered by a photovoltaic system
- The satellite's COSPAR ID was 1998-067NW and NSSDCA ID was 1998067NW

## FAQs
### Q: What was RaInCube's primary purpose?
A: RaInCube was designed to demonstrate a new miniaturized radar technology for measuring precipitation as a 6U CubeSat weather satellite. Its mission focused on advancing small satellite capabilities for weather observation.

### Q: When did RaInCube operate and how long was its mission?
A: RaInCube was launched on May 21, 2018 and operated until December 23, 2020, when its mission concluded after approximately 2.5 years in space.

### Q: Who developed and launched RaInCube?
A: RaInCube was developed by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in partnership with Tyvak International. It was launched on an Antares rocket from the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport Launch Pad 0.

### Q: What made RaInCube unique among weather satellites?
A: RaInCube was notable for being a compact 6U CubeSat that demonstrated miniature radar technology for precipitation measurement, representing a smaller, more cost-effective approach to weather observation compared to traditional large satellites.

## Why It Matters
RaInCube represented a significant advancement in small satellite technology for weather observation. By demonstrating a miniature radar instrument in a 6U CubeSat form factor, it proved that weather monitoring could be done with smaller, more cost-effective satellites. This approach democratizes weather data collection and makes it accessible to more organizations and countries. The mission's success has influenced the development of follow-on technologies and opened new possibilities for constellation-based weather observation networks. RaInCube contributed to NASA's goals of demonstrating innovative technologies in small satellite architectures while providing valuable data on precipitation measurement techniques that could be applied to future missions.

## Notable For
- First 6U CubeSat to demonstrate a miniaturized radar instrument for weather observation
- Developed by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, a leading center for robotic space exploration
- Successfully operated in space for approximately 2.5 years from launch in May 2018 to mission end in December 2020
- Featured a compact design that reduced costs while maintaining scientific capabilities
- Used a photovoltaic power system, showcasing efficient power management for small satellites

## Body
### Mission Overview
RaInCube was a 6U CubeSat artificial satellite designed as a weather satellite to demonstrate new radar technology for precipitation measurement. The mission was developed by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in collaboration with Tyvak International.

### Technical Specifications
- Dimensions: 6U CubeSat (approximately 10cm × 20cm × 30cm)
- Power system: Photovoltaic
- Orbital inclination: 51.6 degrees
- COSPAR ID: 1998-067NW
- NSSDCA ID: 1998067NW
- Structure number: 43548

### Development and Manufacturing
- Primary developer: Jet Propulsion Laboratory
- Manufacturer: Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Tyvak International
- Country of origin: United States

### Launch Details
- Launch date: May 21, 2018 at 08:44:06
- Launch location: Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport Launch Pad 0
- Launch vehicle: Antares (model 2TRS2S1.6)
- Operator: National Aeronautics and Space Administration

### Mission Timeline
- Start point: Launch on May 21, 2018
- End time: December 23, 2020 (mission concluded)
- Total mission duration: Approximately 2.5 years

### Classification and Relations
- Instance of: CubeSat, weather satellite, artificial satellite
- Related entities: Antares (launch vehicle)
- Wikipedia languages: English, French, Wikimedia Commons

### Documentation and References
- Wikipedia title: RaInCube
- Commons category: RainCube
- Google Knowledge Graph ID: /g/11gnrv28b2
- Public image available: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/RainCube_Main_Antenna.jpg

### Notable Events
- Significant event: Rocket launch on May 21, 2018 from Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport Launch Pad 0

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report
2. [A Pioneering NASA Mini Weather Satellite Ends Its Mission. Jet Propulsion Laboratory](https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/news/a-pioneering-nasa-mini-weather-satellite-ends-its-mission)
3. [Source](https://www.n2yo.com/satellite/?s=43548)