Space Brief 7 Nov 2024
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RAX-2 (37853)
COSPAR: 2011-061D | Alt Name: RAX-2
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
October 28, 2011
Launch Site
AFWTR
Launch Pad
SLC2W
Launch Vehicle
Delta 7920-10C
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
37853
International Designator
2011-061D
Decay Date
10/6/2024
Basic Satellite Info
Name
RAX-2
Alternative Name
RAX-2
Type
Payload
Status
Decayed
Owner
UMI/NSF
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Summary
RAX-2, or Radio Aurora Explorer, is a CubeSat (3U) satellite designed for ionospheric research and was launched on October 28, 2011, from the Alaska Satellite Facility (AFWTR), SLC2W launch pad using a Delta 7920-10C launch vehicle. The satellite has dimensions of 0.3 meters in length, with a diameter and span also measuring 0.3 meters each. It weighs approximately 3 kilograms both at launch and dry mass. RAX-2 is equipped with solar cells and batteries for power supply. Manufactured by UMI/SRII under the ownership of UMI/NSF, this box-shaped satellite operates in space to conduct ionospheric research.
Physical Characteristics
Length
0.3
Diameter
0.1
Span
0.3
Dry Mass
3
Launch Mass
3
Shape
Box
Radar Cross Section
0.076
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Radio Aurora Explorer
Purpose
Ionospheric research
Mission
Ionospheric research
Manufacturer
UMI/SRII
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Cubesat 3U
Configuration
CubeSat (3U)
Motor
None
Equipment
Unknown
Power System
Solar cells, batteries
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
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