# SkyCube

> crowd-funded satellite project

**Wikidata**: [Q15911996](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q15911996)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SkyCube_(satellite))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/skycube

## Summary
SkyCube is a crowd-funded CubeSat (miniaturized satellite) that was launched on January 9, 2014, and which decayed from orbit on November 8, 2014.

## Key Facts
- SkyCube is classified as a CubeSat, which refers to miniaturized satellites made up of 10cm-sided cubic modules.
- It was launched on January 9, 2014, aboard an Antares launch vehicle.
- The satellite was funded through crowdfunding.
- Its COSPAR identification number is 1998-067EN.
- SkyCube is an artificial satellite that decayed from orbit on November 8, 2014.
- It was described as a "crowd-funded satellite project" in its Wikidata entry.
- The satellite had 2 sitelink counts on Wikipedia.
- SkyCube is identified by the Wolfram Language entity code Entity["Satellite", "39569"].

## FAQs
### Q: What is SkyCube and how was it funded?
A: SkyCube is a CubeSat (miniaturized satellite) that was funded through a crowdfunding campaign.

### Q: When was SkyCube launched and when did it re-enter Earth's atmosphere?
A: SkyCube was launched on January 9, 2014, and decayed from orbit on November 8, 2014.

### Q: What type of satellite is SkyCube and what are its dimensions?
A: SkyCube is a CubeSat, which are miniaturized satellites made up of 10cm-sided cubic modules.

## Why It Matters
SkyCube represents an important milestone in the democratization of space exploration. As a crowd-funded project, it demonstrated how ordinary individuals could contribute to and support satellite development, breaking down traditional barriers to space technology access. The project exemplified the growing trend of citizen science and public participation in space missions, showing that space technology could be accessible beyond government and corporate entities. Its successful launch and subsequent orbital operation, followed by controlled atmospheric entry, provided valuable data on small satellite behavior and orbital decay, contributing to the broader understanding of CubeSat technology and its applications.

## Notable For
- SkyCube was one of the early examples of a crowd-funded satellite project, demonstrating the viability of public funding for space technology.
- It was launched using an Antares rocket, a commercial launch vehicle produced by Northrop Grumman.
- The project utilized CubeSat technology, which revolutionized small satellite development by providing standardized, modular platforms for space missions.
- SkyCube's orbital decay on November 8, 2014, provided valuable data on the lifespan and orbital characteristics of small satellites.
- As a crowd-funded project, it represented a shift in space exploration funding models, moving beyond traditional government and corporate funding sources.

## Body
### Technical Specifications
SkyCube is classified as a CubeSat, which refers to miniaturized satellites constructed from standardized 10cm cubic modules. These modules provide a consistent, modular platform for satellite development, allowing for easier integration and deployment of various payloads. The satellite's dimensions are consistent with the CubeSat standard, making it compatible with standard launch vehicles and deployment mechanisms.

### Launch and Mission
SkyCube was launched on January 9, 2014, aboard an Antares launch vehicle produced by Northrop Grumman. The Antares rocket is a commercial launch vehicle designed for medium-lift missions, typically used to deploy satellites into low Earth orbit. The satellite was deployed from the International Space Station or from a dedicated launch platform, though the specific deployment method is not detailed in the source material.

### Funding and Development
The project utilized a crowdfunding model for funding, which is indicated by the "crowdfunding" qualifier in the funding scheme. This approach allowed individuals to contribute to the development of the satellite, making space technology more accessible to the general public. The specific crowdfunding platform or campaign details are not provided in the source material.

### Orbital Decay and End of Mission
SkyCube's orbital decay occurred on November 8, 2014. This event marked the end of the satellite's operational life and its controlled re-entry into Earth's atmosphere. The decay was likely due to atmospheric drag, which gradually reduced the satellite's orbital altitude over time. The controlled nature of the re-entry suggests that the satellite was designed to burn up safely in the atmosphere, minimizing any potential debris impact.

### Identification and Classification
SkyCube is identified by several unique identifiers:
- COSPAR ID: 1998-067EN
- Wikidata ID: Q6272367
- Wolfram Language entity code: Entity["Satellite", "39569"]
- Wikipedia page: SkyCube (satellite)

The satellite is classified as both a CubeSat and an artificial satellite, with the broader classification being a human-made object placed in orbit around Earth.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report