# ROBUSTA-3A

> French technology demonstration CubeSat

**Wikidata**: [Q24928822](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q24928822)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/robusta-3a

## Summary
ROBUSTA-3A is a French technology demonstration CubeSat developed and operated by the Space Center of the University of Montpellier. Launched on July 9, 2024, it is designed to test experimental technologies in space, particularly radiation effects on bipolar transistors.

## Key Facts
- **Type**: 3U CubeSat (3 cubic units, each 10 cm sided) and technology demonstration spacecraft.
- **Mass**: 3.6 kg.
- **Launch Date**: July 9, 2024, at 19:00 UTC aboard an Ariane 62 rocket (flight VA262) from ELA-4.
- **Operators**: Space Center of the University of Montpellier and Météo-France.
- **Developer/Manufacturer**: Space Center of the University of Montpellier (founded July 2011).
- **Power Source**: Spacecraft solar array with 4 panels.
- **Aliases**: Also known as *Méditerranée* or *Radiation on Bipolar Test for University Satellite Application 3A*.
- **COMPAR/NSSDCA ID**: 2024-128J.
- **Space Tug**: Deployed via ULPM H30 (L6001).

## FAQs
### Q: What is the purpose of ROBUSTA-3A?
A: ROBUSTA-3A is a technology demonstration CubeSat designed to test the effects of space radiation on bipolar transistors and other experimental technologies.

### Q: Who built and operates ROBUSTA-3A?
A: It was developed and is operated by the Space Center of the University of Montpellier, with additional involvement from Météo-France.

### Q: When and how was ROBUSTA-3A launched?
A: It was launched on July 9, 2024, aboard the inaugural flight of the Ariane 62 rocket (VA262) from ELA-4 in French Guiana.

### Q: What type of satellite is ROBUSTA-3A?
A: It is a 3U CubeSat, meaning it consists of three 10 cm cubic units, and serves as a platform for testing new space technologies.

### Q: What is the mass of ROBUSTA-3A?
A: The satellite has a mass of 3.6 kilograms.

## Why It Matters
ROBUSTA-3A represents a significant step in academic and technological advancements in space research. As a CubeSat developed by a university, it provides a cost-effective platform for testing experimental technologies, particularly the resilience of electronic components like bipolar transistors in the harsh radiation environment of space. This research is crucial for improving the reliability of future spacecraft and satellite systems. Additionally, its launch aboard the inaugural flight of the Ariane 62 rocket highlights its role in validating new European launch capabilities. By involving students and researchers, ROBUSTA-3A also contributes to education and workforce development in the aerospace sector, fostering innovation and hands-on experience in satellite technology.

## Notable For
- **Firsts**: One of the payloads on the maiden flight of the Ariane 62 rocket.
- **Academic Leadership**: Developed entirely by the Space Center of the University of Montpellier, showcasing university-led space innovation.
- **Technology Focus**: Specifically tests radiation effects on bipolar transistors, addressing a critical challenge in space electronics.
- **Collaboration**: Operated jointly by an academic institution (University of Montpellier) and a national meteorological service (Météo-France).
- **CubeSat Standard**: Adheres to the 3U CubeSat form factor, demonstrating the versatility of miniaturized satellites for technology demonstration.

## Body
### Overview
ROBUSTA-3A is a French CubeSat classified as a technology demonstration spacecraft. It is part of a series of nanosatellites developed by the Space Center of the University of Montpellier, which was established in July 2011. The satellite is designed to evaluate the performance and durability of electronic components, particularly bipolar transistors, in the space radiation environment.

### Technical Specifications
- **Form Factor**: 3U CubeSat (3 units, each 10 cm × 10 cm × 10 cm).
- **Mass**: 3.6 kg.
- **Power System**: Equipped with a spacecraft solar array consisting of 4 panels.
- **Volume**: 3 cubic units (3U), adhering to the CubeSat standard.

### Launch and Deployment
- **Launch Date**: July 9, 2024, at 19:00 UTC.
- **Launch Vehicle**: Ariane 62 (flight VA262), the inaugural flight of this European launch vehicle.
- **Launch Site**: ELA-4, Guiana Space Centre, French Guiana.
- **Deployment**: Released into orbit via the ULPM H30 space tug (L6001).

### Mission and Objectives
The primary mission of ROBUSTA-3A is to serve as a testbed for experimental technologies, with a focus on studying the impact of space radiation on bipolar transistors. This research aims to improve the design and reliability of electronic components used in future spacecraft. The satellite also demonstrates the capabilities of academic institutions in developing and operating space missions.

### Operators and Developers
- **Developer/Manufacturer**: Space Center of the University of Montpellier.
- **Operators**: Space Center of the University of Montpellier and Météo-France.
- **Official Website**: [https://csum.umontpellier.fr/nanosatellites-projets-3u/](https://csum.umontpellier.fr/nanosatellites-projets-3u/) (French).

### Identification
- **COMPAR ID**: 2024-128J.
- **NSSDCA ID**: 2024-128J.
- **Aliases**: Méditerranée, Radiation on Bipolar Test for University Satellite Application 3A.

## Schema Markup
```json
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Thing",
  "name": "ROBUSTA-3A",
  "description": "French technology demonstration CubeSat developed by the Space Center of the University of Montpellier.",
  "url": "https://csum.umontpellier.fr/nanosatellites-projets-3u/",
  "sameAs": [
    "https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q123456789",
    "https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/ROBUSTA-3A"
  ],
  "additionalType": [
    "https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q223798",  // CubeSat
    "https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q184424"   // Technology demonstration spacecraft
  ],
  "manufacturer": {
    "@type": "Organization",
    "name": "Space Center of the University of Montpellier"
  },
  "operator": [
    {
      "@type": "Organization",
      "name": "Space Center of the University of Montpellier"
    },
    {
      "@type": "Organization",
      "name": "Météo-France"
    }
  ],
  "mass": {
    "@type": "QuantitativeValue",
    "value": 3.6,
    "unitCode": "KGM"
  },
  "launchDate": "2024-07-09T19:00:00Z",
  "launchVehicle": {
    "@type": "Thing",
    "name": "Ariane 62"
  }
}

## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/robusta-3a.htm)
2. [Source](https://csum.umontpellier.fr/en/nanosatellites-projects-our-3u-projects/)
3. [Source](https://nextspaceflight.com/launches/details/444)
4. Jonathan's Space Report