# SAT GUS

> CubeSat created by Mark Rober

**Wikidata**: [Q134578192](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q134578192)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/sat-gus

## Summary
SAT GUS is a 12-unit CubeSat created by Mark Rober and sponsored by Google and T-Mobile US. Launched on January 14, 2025, this artificial satellite operates in low Earth orbit and was manufactured by Tyvak International and Redwire. It is designed to facilitate "selfies in space" as part of a rideshare mission.

## Key Facts
- **Classification:** SAT GUS is classified as an artificial satellite and a CubeSat.
- **Creator:** The project was created by Mark Rober, with manufacturing handled by Tyvak International and Redwire.
- **Launch Date:** It launched on January 14, 2025, at 19:09:00 UTC.
- **Launch Vehicle:** The satellite was deployed aboard a Falcon 9 Block 5 rocket, specifically booster B1088 on its second flight (B1088.2).
- **Orbit:** SAT GUS operates in low Earth orbit.
- **Dimensions:** The spacecraft has a volume of 12 Cubesat units (12U).
- **Power:** It is powered by two spacecraft solar arrays.
- **Sponsors:** The mission is sponsored by Google and T-Mobile US.
- **Identification:** The satellite has a COSPAR ID of 2025-009DJ and a satellite catalog number (SCN) of 62713.
- **Launch Site:** The mission originated from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4 East.
- **Country:** The entity is associated with the United States.
- **Website:** The official project website is https://www.spaceselfie.com/.

## FAQs
**Who created and manufactured SAT GUS?**
SAT GUS was created by Mark Rober and manufactured through a collaboration between Tyvak International and Redwire.

**When did SAT GUS launch and what rocket was used?**
The satellite launched on January 14, 2025, at 19:09:00 aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5 rocket (booster B1088) from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4 East.

**What are the primary technical specifications of the satellite?**
SAT GUS is a 12-unit CubeSat operating in low Earth orbit, powered by two solar arrays, and identified by the COSPAR ID 2025-009DJ.

**Which companies sponsored the SAT GUS mission?**
The mission is sponsored by major technology and telecommunications companies, specifically Google and T-Mobile US.

## Why It Matters
SAT GUS represents a significant intersection of popular science communication, commercial sponsorship, and the accessibility of space technology. By leveraging the "CubeSat" standard—specifically the 12U form factor—the project demonstrates how complex payloads can be integrated into rideshare missions like SpaceX's Transporter series. The involvement of high-profile sponsors such as Google and T-Mobile US, combined with the public outreach of creator Mark Rober, highlights a growing trend where space missions serve dual purposes of technological demonstration and public engagement. The mission underscores the decreasing barrier to entry for orbital projects, allowing for creative concepts like "selfies in space" to be realized using standard manufacturing and launch services.

## Notable For
- Being a 12-unit CubeSat, which is larger than the standard 1U, 3U, or 6U configurations often used in similar projects.
- Integration into the Transporter-12 mission via SEOPS, facilitating its launch as a rideshare payload.
- Featuring a dual-sponsorship model from major corporate entities, Google and T-Mobile US.
- Utilizing the Falcon 9 Block 5 booster B1088 specifically on its second flight (B1088.2).
- Having a dedicated Wikimedia Commons category and multilingual presence (English and Portuguese).

## Body

### Overview and Creation
SAT GUS is an artificial satellite and CubeSat conceived by Mark Rober. It falls under the class of human-made objects put into orbit and is specifically categorized as a 12-unit (12U) CubeSat. The project serves as a platform for "selfies in space," a concept promoted through its official website. The entity is documented in Wikimedia Commons and has a presence in Portuguese Wikipedia entries, reflecting its international recognition.

### Development and Manufacturing
The physical construction of SAT GUS was a collaborative effort between Tyvak International and Redwire. While Mark Rober is credited as the creator, Tyvak International is also listed in structured data as a creator entity, highlighting their role in the spacecraft's realization. The satellite originates from the United States and adheres to the technical standards required for orbital deployment.

### Technical Specifications
The spacecraft is designed with a volume quantity of 12 Cubesat units. It utilizes a spacecraft solar array system comprising two units for power generation. The satellite operates as an unmanned object in low Earth orbit, distinct from crewed missions or larger space stations.

### Launch and Mission Profile
SAT GUS was launched as part of a significant rocket launch event on January 14, 2025. The launch occurred precisely at 19:09:00 from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4 East. The mission utilized a Falcon 9 Block 5 launch vehicle, the current version of the SpaceX Falcon 9. The specific booster used was B1088, designated as flight B1088.2 in the mission qualifiers.

### Orbital Characteristics and Identification
Following its successful deployment, SAT GUS entered low Earth orbit. It is officially tracked under the COSPAR ID 2025-009DJ and carries the satellite catalog number (SCN) 62713. These identifiers allow for precise tracking by space agencies and astronomical observers.

### Sponsorship and Operations
The operations and visibility of SAT GUS are supported by corporate sponsors Google and T-Mobile US. These partnerships are documented through the project's official web presence. The satellite's operator is recorded in spaceflight databases, though the specific entity is referenced through external tracking logs. The mission's branding and public interface are largely managed through the "Space Selfie" website, which serves as the primary portal for the project's outreach.

## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/satgus.htm)
2. [Source](https://seops.space/press-release/seops-integrates-sat-gus-the-highly-anticipated-selfies-in-space-spacecraft-on-upcoming-transporter-12-mission-with-spacex/)
3. Jonathan's Space Report
4. [Source](https://www.n2yo.com/satellite/?s=62713)
5. [Source](https://www.spaceselfie.com/)