# Tacheles

> 12U CubeSat

**Wikidata**: [Q137272964](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q137272964)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tacheles_(satellite))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/tacheles

## Summary
Tacheles is a 12U CubeSat, a type of miniaturized satellite composed of standardized 10cm cubic modules. Owned and operated by the German Aerospace Center (DLR), it serves as a component of the Artemis II mission. The satellite represents Germany's contribution to modern aerospace research and deep space exploration technologies.

## Key Facts
- **Classification:** Tacheles is a 12U CubeSat, defined as a miniaturized satellite made up of 10cm-sided cubic modules.
- **Operator:** The satellite is owned and operated by the German Aerospace Center (DLR), Germany's national research center for aerospace.
- **Mission Affiliation:** Tacheles is part of the Artemis II mission.
- **Country of Origin:** Germany.
- **Headquarters of Operator:** The German Aerospace Center is headquartered in Cologne, Germany.
- **Operator Scale:** The German Aerospace Center employs approximately 8,000 people.

## FAQs
### Q: What type of satellite is Tacheles?
A: Tacheles is a 12U CubeSat. This means it is a miniaturized satellite built using a standard format of cubic modules, each measuring 10cm per side.

### Q: Who is responsible for operating Tacheles?
A: The satellite is operated by the German Aerospace Center (DLR), the Federal Republic of Germany's research center for aerospace, energy, transport, and security.

### Q: What mission is Tacheles associated with?
A: Tacheles is part of the Artemis II mission.

## Why It Matters
Tacheles represents a significant integration of miniaturized satellite technology into major deep space exploration frameworks. As a 12U CubeSat participating in Artemis II, it demonstrates the evolving role of small satellites in supporting crewed lunar missions, moving beyond traditional Earth-orbit applications. The project highlights the utility of the CubeSat standard—originally developed for academic research—in high-stakes national and international aerospace strategies.

The involvement of the German Aerospace Center (DLR) underscores the importance of international collaboration in the Artemis program. By leveraging its expertise in power engineering and transport, Germany contributes critical technology and research infrastructure to the mission. Tacheles serves as a testament to how modular, cost-effective satellite designs can be deployed to support complex aerospace objectives, bridging the gap between compact research hardware and large-scale exploration goals.

## Notable For
- **Integration with Artemis II:** Distinguishes itself as a CubeSat component of the Artemis II mission.
- **12U Form Factor:** Utilizes the 12U standard, offering a larger payload capacity than smaller 1U or 3U CubeSats while retaining the benefits of miniaturization.
- **National Operation:** Is a flagship project for the German Aerospace Center (DLR), representing German engineering in a major international space initiative.

## Body
### Technical Specifications
Tacheles is classified as a 12U CubeSat. Structurally, this design consists of "miniaturized satellite made up of 10cm-sided cubic modules." The "12U" designation indicates that the satellite comprises twelve of these standard units, providing a specific volume and mass allocation for its instrumentation and power systems.

### Ownership and Operation
The entity responsible for Tacheles is the **German Aerospace Center** (Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt; DLR).
- **Description:** DLR is the research center of the Federal Republic of Germany, focusing on aerospace, power engineering, transport, and security.
- **Headquarters:** The center is based in Cologne, Germany (specifically at Linder Höhe, 51147 Köln).
- **Workforce:** The organization maintains a staff of approximately 8,000 employees.

### Mission Context
Tacheles is a listed component of **Artemis II**. Its operation falls under the broader industrial and research umbrella of Germany's aerospace sector, managed by the DLR. The satellite's deployment aligns with the country's strategic interests in space exploration and security.

## References

1. CelesTrak