# SpinSat

> small research satellite operated by the Naval Research Laboratory

**Wikidata**: [Q110115547](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q110115547)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/spinsat

## Summary
SpinSat is a small research satellite operated by the United States Naval Research Laboratory, designed to demonstrate experimental technologies and conduct scientific research. Launched in 2014, it served as a technology demonstration spacecraft and amateur radio satellite before re-entering Earth's atmosphere in 2017.

## Key Facts
- **Operator**: United States Naval Research Laboratory (NRL), a corporate research laboratory for the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps.
- **Launch Date**: September 21, 2014, at 05:52:03 UTC, aboard a Falcon 9 Block 5 rocket (SpaceX CRS-4 mission).
- **Mass**: 57 kilograms.
- **Classification**: Research satellite, technology demonstration spacecraft, and amateur radio satellite.
- **Deployment**: Released from the International Space Station (ISS) on November 28, 2014, using the Space Station Integrated Kinetic Launcher for Orbital Payload Systems (SSIKLOPS).
- **Orbit Decay**: Re-entered Earth's atmosphere on March 11, 2017.
- **Manufacturer**: United States Naval Research Laboratory.
- **COMPAR ID**: 1998-067FL.
- **Aliases**: SPInsat, Special Purpose Inexpensive Satellite.

## FAQs
### Q: What was the purpose of SpinSat?
A: SpinSat was designed as a technology demonstration spacecraft to test experimental technologies and conduct scientific research. It also functioned as an amateur radio satellite.

### Q: When was SpinSat launched and deployed?
A: SpinSat was launched on September 21, 2014, aboard a Falcon 9 Block 5 rocket and deployed from the International Space Station on November 28, 2014.

### Q: Who operated SpinSat?
A: SpinSat was operated by the United States Naval Research Laboratory (NRL), with additional involvement from the Space Test Program.

### Q: What happened to SpinSat?
A: SpinSat re-entered Earth's atmosphere on March 11, 2017, marking the end of its mission.

### Q: What was the mass of SpinSat?
A: SpinSat had a mass of 57 kilograms.

## Why It Matters
SpinSat played a crucial role in advancing satellite technology and scientific research. As a technology demonstration spacecraft, it provided a platform for testing innovative technologies in space, contributing to the development of future satellite systems. Its dual role as an amateur radio satellite also facilitated communication experiments, engaging the amateur radio community. Operated by the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory, SpinSat exemplified the integration of military research with civilian scientific exploration. The mission's success in deploying from the International Space Station highlighted the potential for cost-effective and efficient satellite launches, paving the way for future small satellite missions.

## Notable For
- **Technology Demonstration**: SpinSat was a pioneering technology demonstration spacecraft, testing experimental technologies in space.
- **Amateur Radio Satellite**: It served as an amateur radio satellite, enabling communication experiments and engaging the amateur radio community.
- **ISS Deployment**: SpinSat was deployed from the International Space Station using the SSIKLOPS deployer, showcasing the potential for efficient satellite launches.
- **Short Mission Duration**: Despite its relatively short operational lifespan (2014-2017), SpinSat achieved its mission objectives and contributed valuable data.
- **Naval Research Laboratory**: Operated by the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory, SpinSat represented a collaboration between military research and scientific exploration.

## Body
### Overview
SpinSat, officially known as the Special Purpose Inexpensive Satellite (SPInsat), was a small research satellite operated by the United States Naval Research Laboratory (NRL). It was designed to demonstrate experimental technologies and conduct scientific research, serving as both a technology demonstration spacecraft and an amateur radio satellite.

### Launch and Deployment
- **Launch Date**: SpinSat was launched on September 21, 2014, at 05:52:03 UTC.
- **Launch Vehicle**: The satellite was launched aboard a Falcon 9 Block 5 rocket as part of the SpaceX CRS-4 mission.
- **Launch Site**: Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 40.
- **Deployment**: SpinSat was deployed from the International Space Station (ISS) on November 28, 2014, using the Space Station Integrated Kinetic Launcher for Orbital Payload Systems (SSIKLOPS).

### Technical Specifications
- **Mass**: 57 kilograms.
- **COMPAR ID**: 1998-067FL.
- **Manufacturer**: United States Naval Research Laboratory.
- **Operator**: United States Naval Research Laboratory, with additional involvement from the Space Test Program.

### Mission and Objectives
SpinSat's primary mission was to demonstrate experimental technologies and conduct scientific research. It also functioned as an amateur radio satellite, enabling communication experiments and engaging the amateur radio community.

### Mission Timeline
- **Launch**: September 21, 2014.
- **Deployment**: November 28, 2014.
- **Orbit Decay**: March 11, 2017.

### Significance
SpinSat's mission highlighted the potential for cost-effective and efficient satellite launches, particularly through deployment from the International Space Station. Its role as a technology demonstration spacecraft contributed to the advancement of satellite technology, while its function as an amateur radio satellite engaged the amateur radio community and facilitated communication experiments.

## Schema Markup
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## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/spinsat.htm)
2. Jonathan's Space Report
3. [Source](https://www.n2yo.com/satellite/?s=40314)
4. [Source](https://www.eoportal.org/satellite-missions/iss-cyclops)