# ZACUBE-1

> South African cubesat

**Wikidata**: [Q16604100](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q16604100)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ZACube-1)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/zacube-1

## Summary
ZACUBE-1 is a South African cubesat operated by Cape Peninsula University of Technology. It was launched on November 21, 2013, as part of South Africa's space program and educational initiatives.

## Key Facts
- ZACUBE-1 is classified as a CubeSat, a miniaturized satellite made up of 10cm-sided cubic modules
- It was launched on November 21, 2013, from Dombarovsky using a Dnepr rocket
- The satellite is operated by Cape Peninsula University of Technology, a university in Cape Town, South Africa
- ZACUBE-1 has the COSPAR ID 2013-066B
- It has two Wikipedia entries in German (de) and English (en)
- The satellite has a sitelink count of 2

## FAQs
### Q: What is ZACUBE-1?
A: ZACUBE-1 is a South African cubesat operated by Cape Peninsula University of Technology. It represents South Africa's entry into the small satellite space program.

### Q: When and where was ZACUBE-1 launched?
A: ZACUBE-1 was launched on November 21, 2013, from Dombarovsky using a converted Dnepr rocket, which was originally a Satan ICBM.

### Q: What organization is responsible for ZACUBE-1?
A: ZACUBE-1 is operated by Cape Peninsula University of Technology, a South African university located in Cape Town that was established in 2005.

### Q: What type of satellite is ZACUBE-1?
A: ZACUBE-1 is a CubeSat, which is a standardized type of miniaturized satellite that consists of 10cm cubic modules that can be combined to form larger satellites.

## Why It Matters
ZACUBE-1 represents a significant milestone for South Africa's space program and educational initiatives. As the country's first cubesat, it demonstrates South Africa's growing capabilities in space technology and satellite development. The project provides valuable hands-on experience for students and researchers at Cape Peninsula University of Technology, helping to build expertise in aerospace engineering and related fields. By successfully developing and launching a satellite, South Africa has joined the global community of nations with space capabilities, opening doors for future space missions, scientific research, and potential commercial applications in the growing small satellite market.

## Notable For
- Being South Africa's first cubesat, marking the country's entry into the small satellite space program
- Educational significance as a project developed by Cape Peninsula University of Technology to build expertise in satellite technology
- Launch using a Dnepr rocket, a converted intercontinental ballistic missile, showcasing repurposing of military technology for peaceful space exploration
- Part of the growing global trend of developing nations entering the space arena through relatively low-cost small satellite programs

## Body
### Basic Information
ZACUBE-1 is a South African cubesat that serves as an important educational and technological achievement for the country's space program. The satellite was developed and is operated by Cape Peninsula University of Technology, which is located in Cape Town, South Africa. The university, established in 2005, has made significant contributions to South Africa's space technology development through projects like ZACUBE-1.

### Technical Specifications
As a CubeSat, ZACUBE-1 follows the standardized format of miniaturized satellites consisting of 10cm-sided cubic modules. The satellite has the COSPAR ID 2013-066B and the SCN number 39417. It also has a Freebase ID of /m/010f9ynh. The project has generated limited online presence, with only 2 sitelinks and Wikipedia entries available in German (de) and English (en) languages.

### Launch Details
ZACUBE-1 was launched on November 21, 2013, from Dombarovsky, a Russian launch site. The satellite was deployed using a Dnepr rocket, which is a converted SS-18 Satan intercontinental ballistic missile adapted for satellite launches. This launch vehicle represents an example of repurposing military technology for peaceful space exploration purposes. The launch event is officially recorded as a significant rocket launch with specific details about the location and timing.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report