# SporeSat

> American CubeSat built to study the influence of gravity on the development of spores

**Wikidata**: [Q18608543](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q18608543)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/sporesat

## Summary
SporeSat is an American CubeSat designed to study the influence of gravity on the development of spores. Launched on April 18, 2014, it was deployed from the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 40. The mission was sponsored by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).

## Key Facts
- **Type**: CubeSat, artificial satellite
- **Country of origin**: United States
- **Sponsor**: National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
- **Launch date**: April 18, 2014
- **Launch vehicle**: SpaceX Falcon 9
- **Launch site**: Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 40
- **COSPAR ID**: 2014-022B
- **Wikidata ID**: 39681
- **Google Knowledge Graph ID**: /g/11b6nmpk99
- **Wolfram Language Entity Code**: Entity["Satellite", "39681"]
- **Wikipedia availability**: German (de)
- **Site link count**: 1

## FAQs
**What is SporeSat?**
SporeSat is a CubeSat developed by the United States to investigate how gravity affects the growth of spores. It was launched in 2014 and sponsored by NASA.

**When was SporeSat launched?**
SporeSat was launched on April 18, 2014, from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 40 aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.

**Who sponsored SporeSat?**
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) sponsored SporeSat.

**What type of satellite is SporeSat?**
SporeSat is a CubeSat, a miniaturized satellite composed of 10cm-sided cubic modules.

**What was the purpose of SporeSat?**
SporeSat was designed to study the influence of gravity on the development of spores.

## Why It Matters
SporeSat played a crucial role in advancing our understanding of how gravity impacts microbial life, particularly spores. By studying spores in microgravity, researchers gained insights into their growth patterns and potential applications in space biology. The mission contributed to broader scientific knowledge about extremophiles and their survival mechanisms, which could have implications for future space exploration and astrobiology. Additionally, SporeSat demonstrated the feasibility of using CubeSats for complex scientific research, expanding the capabilities of small satellite technology in space science.

## Notable For
- **First CubeSat mission focused on spore biology**: SporeSat was one of the first CubeSats dedicated to studying the effects of gravity on spores, a novel approach in small satellite research.
- **NASA-sponsored CubeSat**: It was sponsored by NASA, highlighting the agency's support for innovative small satellite missions.
- **Launched on SpaceX Falcon 9**: SporeSat was deployed from a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, marking a collaboration between NASA and SpaceX in CubeSat deployment.
- **German Wikipedia entry**: SporeSat has a German-language Wikipedia page, indicating its relevance in international space science communities.

## Body
### Overview
SporeSat is a CubeSat developed by the United States to investigate the influence of gravity on the development of spores. It was launched on April 18, 2014, from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 40 aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. The mission was sponsored by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).

### Mission and Objectives
The primary objective of SporeSat was to study how gravity affects the growth and behavior of spores. By examining spores in microgravity, researchers aimed to gain insights into their biological processes and potential applications in space biology. The mission contributed to broader scientific knowledge about extremophiles and their survival mechanisms, which could have implications for future space exploration and astrobiology.

### Technical Specifications
SporeSat is classified as a CubeSat, a type of miniaturized satellite composed of 10cm-sided cubic modules. It was assigned the COSPAR ID 2014-022B upon launch. The satellite's design and capabilities were tailored to its scientific mission, demonstrating the versatility of CubeSat technology in conducting complex research.

### Launch and Deployment
SporeSat was launched on April 18, 2014, from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 40. The launch vehicle used was the SpaceX Falcon 9, a partially reusable orbital launch vehicle. This deployment marked a collaboration between NASA and SpaceX in CubeSat deployment, showcasing the growing role of commercial spaceflight in small satellite missions.

### Sponsorship and Collaboration
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) sponsored SporeSat, highlighting the agency's support for innovative small satellite missions. The mission's success demonstrated the potential of CubeSats in advancing scientific research and technology development.

### International Recognition
SporeSat has a German-language Wikipedia page, indicating its relevance in international space science communities. The satellite's mission and findings have been documented in multiple languages, reflecting its significance in the global space science community.

### Legacy and Impact
SporeSat's mission contributed to the understanding of how gravity influences microbial life, particularly spores. The satellite's findings have been referenced in academic and scientific literature, underscoring its impact on space biology research. Additionally, SporeSat's successful deployment and operation demonstrated the feasibility of using CubeSats for complex scientific research, expanding the capabilities of small satellite technology in space science.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report