# YAM-8

> payload hosting satellite by Loft Orbital

**Wikidata**: [Q136913045](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q136913045)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/yam-8

## Summary
YAM-8 is a payload hosting satellite developed by Loft Orbital, designed to carry third-party payloads and demonstrate experimental technologies. It was launched on March 15, 2025, aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5 rocket from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4 East.

## Key Facts
- **Class**: Payload hosting satellite and technology demonstration spacecraft
- **Operator**: Loft Orbital
- **Launch Date**: March 15, 2025, at 06:43 UTC
- **Launch Vehicle**: SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5 (Booster B1081.13)
- **Launch Site**: Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4 East
- **Spacecraft Bus**: ARROW150
- **Power Source**: Two spacecraft solar arrays
- **Manufacturers**: Loft Orbital and Airbus Defence and Space
- **Country of Origin**: United States
- **COSPAR ID**: 2025-052AW
- **SCN (NORAD ID)**: 63254

## FAQs
### Q: What is YAM-8's primary purpose?
A: YAM-8 is a payload hosting satellite designed to carry third-party payloads and serve as a platform for technology demonstrations.

### Q: Who operates YAM-8?
A: YAM-8 is operated by Loft Orbital, a company specializing in small satellite missions.

### Q: What launch vehicle was used to deploy YAM-8?
A: YAM-8 was launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5 rocket (Booster B1081.13) on March 15, 2025.

### Q: What is the spacecraft bus used for YAM-8?
A: YAM-8 utilizes the ARROW150 spacecraft bus, which is designed for small satellite missions.

### Q: Where was YAM-8 launched from?
A: YAM-8 was launched from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4 East in California, USA.

## Why It Matters
YAM-8 represents a significant step in Loft Orbital's mission to provide flexible and cost-effective payload hosting services. By leveraging the ARROW150 spacecraft bus and SpaceX's Falcon 9 launch capabilities, YAM-8 enables third-party payloads to be deployed into orbit efficiently. Its role as a technology demonstration spacecraft also allows for the testing of experimental technologies in space. This mission underscores the growing importance of small satellites in supporting a wide range of applications, from scientific research to commercial services.

## Notable For
- **First payload hosting mission by Loft Orbital**: YAM-8 marks a key milestone in Loft Orbital's efforts to provide dedicated rideshare services for small satellites.
- **Technology demonstration platform**: The satellite serves as a testbed for experimental technologies, contributing to advancements in space-based innovation.
- **Utilization of ARROW150 bus**: The ARROW150 spacecraft bus, developed by Airbus Defence and Space, enables efficient and scalable small satellite missions.
- **SpaceX Falcon 9 deployment**: The use of the Falcon 9 Block 5 rocket highlights the reliability and cost-effectiveness of SpaceX's launch services for small satellite deployments.
- **Vandenberg launch site**: The deployment from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4 East supports missions targeting polar and sun-synchronous orbits.

## Body
### Overview
YAM-8 is a payload hosting satellite operated by Loft Orbital, a company specializing in small satellite missions. The satellite was launched on March 15, 2025, aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5 rocket (Booster B1081.13) from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4 East. YAM-8 is part of Loft Orbital's efforts to provide flexible and cost-effective rideshare services for small satellites.

### Design and Technology
YAM-8 is based on the ARROW150 spacecraft bus, developed by Airbus Defence and Space. The satellite is equipped with two spacecraft solar arrays to provide power. It serves as a platform for technology demonstrations, allowing for the testing of experimental technologies in space.

### Mission Details
The satellite was assigned the COSPAR ID 2025-052AW and the SCN (NORAD ID) 63254. It was launched as part of the Transporter 13 mission, which included multiple small satellites deployed into orbit. The launch occurred at 06:43 UTC on March 15, 2025.

### Significance
YAM-8's mission highlights the growing role of small satellites in supporting a wide range of applications, from scientific research to commercial services. By providing a dedicated platform for payload hosting and technology demonstration, YAM-8 contributes to the advancement of space-based innovation and the expansion of space-based services.

## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/yam-8.htm)
2. Jonathan's Space Report