# TSAT

> CubeSat developed by Taylor University and the Universidad de Chile to investigate the behavior of the plasma and the ionosphere

**Wikidata**: [Q18609245](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q18609245)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/tsat-q18609245

## Summary
TSAT is a CubeSat—a type of miniaturized satellite—developed jointly by Taylor University and the Universidad de Chile. Its primary mission is to investigate the behavior of plasma and the ionosphere. The satellite was successfully launched on April 18, 2014, aboard a Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral.

## Key Facts
- **Class:** CubeSat (miniaturized satellite made up of 10cm-sided cubic modules).
- **Developers:** Taylor University and the Universidad de Chile.
- **Mission Objective:** To investigate the behavior of plasma and the ionosphere.
- **Launch Date:** April 18, 2014.
- **Launch Vehicle:** Falcon 9 (partially reusable orbital launch vehicle by SpaceX).
- **Launch Site:** Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 40 (United States).
- **COSPAR ID:** 2014-022C.
- **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN):** 39682.
- **Google Knowledge Graph ID:** /g/11b6nv21x9.

## FAQs
### Q: Who developed the TSAT satellite?
A: TSAT was developed through a collaboration between Taylor University (located in the United States) and the Universidad de Chile.

### Q: When was TSAT launched and what vehicle was used?
A: TSAT was launched on April 18, 2014. It was delivered to orbit using a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.

### Q: What is the scientific purpose of the TSAT mission?
A: The primary goal of TSAT is to investigate the behavior of the plasma and the ionosphere, layers of Earth's atmosphere that are critical for radio communications and space weather.

## Why It Matters
TSAT represents a collaborative effort in space research between institutions in the United States and Chile, democratizing access to space science through the use of the CubeSat standard. By utilizing a miniaturized 10cm-sided cubic design, the developers were able to deploy a cost-effective payload aboard a commercial Falcon 9 rocket. The data collected by TSAT contributes to the scientific understanding of the ionosphere and plasma behavior, which are crucial for improving models used in global communication and navigation systems. Its successful deployment in 2014 highlights the increasing feasibility of international academic partnerships in orbital research.

## Notable For
- **International Collaboration:** A joint project between Taylor University (USA) and the Universidad de Chile.
- **Specific Research Focus:** Dedicated to investigating plasma and ionosphere behavior.
- **CubeSat Standard:** Utilizes the standardized 10cm cubic module format for miniaturized satellites.
- **Commercial Launch Integration:** Successfully launched as part of a rideshare mission on a SpaceX Falcon 9.

## Body

### Development and Classification
TSAT is classified as a **CubeSat**, a specific type of miniaturized satellite format standardized in units of 10cm-sided cubic modules. The project was a cooperative effort between **Taylor University** and the **Universidad de Chile**.

### Mission Objectives
The primary scientific objective of the TSAT mission is to **investigate the behavior of plasma and the ionosphere**. This area of research is essential for understanding space weather and its effects on radio communications and satellite operations.

### Launch Details
The satellite has assigned international identifiers **COSPAR ID 2014-022C** and **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN) 39682**.
*   **Date:** The launch took place on **April 18, 2014**.
*   **Vehicle:** The launch vehicle was a **Falcon 9**, a partially reusable orbital launch vehicle manufactured by SpaceX.
*   **Location:** The launch originated from **Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 40** in the United States.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report