# TBEX-A

> The E-TBEx (Enhanced Tandem Beacon Experiment), formerly TBEx (Tandem Beacon Experiment), consists of a tandem pair of 3U CubeSats

**Wikidata**: [Q113275626](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q113275626)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/tbex-a

## Summary
TBEX-A is a 3U CubeSat launched as part of the Enhanced Tandem Beacon Experiment (E-TBEx), originally known as the Tandem Beacon Experiment. It was launched on June 25, 2019, aboard a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 17.

## Key Facts
- **Type**: 3U CubeSat (miniaturized satellite made up of 10cm-sided cubic modules)
- **Launch Date**: June 25, 2019
- **Launch Vehicle**: SpaceX Falcon Heavy
- **Launch Site**: Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 17
- **COSPAR ID**: 2019-036T
- **NSSDCA ID**: 2019-036T
- **SCN (Satellite Catalog Number)**: 44356
- **Aliases**: TBEXA, Tandem Beacon Experiment
- **Instance of**: CubeSat

## FAQs
### Q: What is the purpose of TBEX-A?
A: TBEX-A is part of the Enhanced Tandem Beacon Experiment (E-TBEx), which consists of a tandem pair of 3U CubeSats. The experiment aims to study ionospheric and atmospheric phenomena.

### Q: Who launched TBEX-A?
A: TBEX-A was launched by SpaceX using its Falcon Heavy rocket on June 25, 2019, from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 17.

### Q: What is the significance of TBEX-A's launch?
A: TBEX-A's launch marked the first use of a Falcon Heavy rocket for a CubeSat mission, demonstrating the capability of heavy-lift launch vehicles for small satellite deployments.

### Q: How does TBEX-A differ from other CubeSats?
A: TBEX-A is part of a tandem pair, meaning it operates in conjunction with another CubeSat to conduct coordinated experiments, which is a unique configuration for CubeSat missions.

### Q: What is the Enhanced Tandem Beacon Experiment (E-TBEx)?
A: The E-TBEx is an upgraded version of the original Tandem Beacon Experiment, consisting of a pair of 3U CubeSats designed to study ionospheric and atmospheric interactions.

## Why It Matters
TBEX-A is significant as part of the Enhanced Tandem Beacon Experiment (E-TBEx), which aims to advance understanding of ionospheric and atmospheric phenomena. The mission leverages a tandem pair of 3U CubeSats to conduct coordinated experiments, providing valuable data for space weather research. The use of a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket for this mission highlights the growing role of heavy-lift launch vehicles in deploying small satellites. The experiment's success could pave the way for future CubeSat missions focused on atmospheric and ionospheric studies.

## Notable For
- **First Falcon Heavy CubeSat Launch**: TBEX-A was the first CubeSat mission launched by a Falcon Heavy rocket, demonstrating the capability of heavy-lift vehicles for small satellite deployments.
- **Tandem CubeSat Configuration**: The mission features a unique tandem pair of 3U CubeSats, enabling coordinated experiments that are not possible with single satellites.
- **Ionospheric Research**: The experiment contributes to understanding ionospheric and atmospheric interactions, which are critical for space weather forecasting.
- **Enhanced Tandem Beacon Experiment**: The mission represents an upgraded version of the original Tandem Beacon Experiment, incorporating advanced technologies and improved capabilities.
- **SpaceX Launch**: The mission marked a significant milestone for SpaceX, showcasing the versatility of its Falcon Heavy rocket for diverse payloads.

## Body
### Overview
TBEX-A is a 3U CubeSat launched as part of the Enhanced Tandem Beacon Experiment (E-TBEx), originally known as the Tandem Beacon Experiment. The mission consists of a tandem pair of 3U CubeSats, designed to study ionospheric and atmospheric phenomena.

### Launch Details
- **Launch Date**: June 25, 2019
- **Launch Vehicle**: SpaceX Falcon Heavy
- **Launch Site**: Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 17
- **COSPAR ID**: 2019-036T
- **NSSDCA ID**: 2019-036T
- **SCN (Satellite Catalog Number)**: 44356

### Mission Objectives
- **Ionospheric Research**: The tandem CubeSats are used to study ionospheric and atmospheric interactions, contributing to space weather research.
- **Tandem Configuration**: The unique tandem pair allows for coordinated experiments that provide insights not possible with a single satellite.

### Significance
- **First Falcon Heavy CubeSat Launch**: TBEX-A marked the first time a Falcon Heavy rocket was used to launch a CubeSat mission, demonstrating the capability of heavy-lift launch vehicles for small satellite deployments.
- **Enhanced Tandem Beacon Experiment**: The mission represents an upgraded version of the original Tandem Beacon Experiment, incorporating advanced technologies and improved capabilities.

### Technical Specifications
- **Type**: 3U CubeSat
- **Aliases**: TBEXA, Tandem Beacon Experiment
- **Instance of**: CubeSat

### Related Entities
- **CubeSat**: A miniaturized satellite made up of 10cm-sided cubic modules.
- **Falcon Heavy**: A heavy-lift orbital launch vehicle made by SpaceX.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report