SKYCUBE (39567)

COSPAR: 1998-067EL | Alt Name: SkyCube-1
DECAYED

Image
SKYCUBE Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

November 20, 1998

Launch Pad

Pad 0A

Launch Vehicle

Antares 120

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

39567

International Designator

1998-067EL

Decay Date

11/8/2014

Basic Satellite Info

Name

SKYCUBE

Alternative Name

SkyCube-1

Type

Payload

Status

Decayed

Owner

SSTARS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Summary
SKYCUBE, also known as SkyCube-1, is a 1U CubeSat satellite launched on November 20, 1998, from TYMSC Pad 0A using the Antares 120 launch vehicle. It was manufactured by SSTARS and owned by SSTARS with its primary mission being technology and education purposes. The satellite has dimensions of 0.1 meters in length and diameter, a span of 0.2 meters, and a dry mass of 1 kg. Equipped with deployable solar arrays and batteries for power, SKYCUBE was designed to operate for approximately three months. It was stabilized by its box+4 pan shape and had a reflectivity (RCS) of 0.077. The satellite's deployment marked an educational and technological demonstration in space technology.
Physical Characteristics

Length

0.1

Diameter

0.1

Span

0.2

Dry Mass

1

Launch Mass

1

Shape

Box+4 pan

Radar Cross Section

0.077

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

SkyCube-1

Purpose

Technology, education

Mission

Technology, education

Manufacturer

SSTARS

Life Expectancy

3 months

Bus

Cubesat 1U

Configuration

CubeSat (1U)

Motor

None

Equipment

Deployable solar arrays, batteries

Power System

Solar cells, batteries

ADCS

Unknown

Transmitter Frequency

Unknown

Satellite Articles

View All Posts »

Learn more about satellites and other related topics.

Space Brief 14 Apr 2025

Space Brief 14 Apr 2025

Today's highlights include SpaceX's record-breaking Falcon launches, urgent warnings about orbital collisions, and a doubleheader launch featuring spy and Starlink satellites.

All 33 Raptor V3 Engines Ignite in Super Heavy Static Fire | KeepTrack X Report

All 33 Raptor V3 Engines Ignite in Super Heavy Static Fire | KeepTrack X Report

SpaceX ignited all 33 next-gen Raptor V3 engines on the Super Heavy booster at Starbase, Texas, marking a critical milestone toward the next Starship flight.

SpaceX's Audacious Starship

SpaceX's Audacious Starship

As the largest and most powerful rocket ever built, it's designed for full reusability and rapid launch turnaround. SpaceX claims it could carry over 100 tons to low Earth orbit at a fraction of current costs.

Space Brief 3 Nov 2025

Space Brief 3 Nov 2025

Highlighting India's significant military satellite launch, real-time satellite tracking developments in Europe, SpaceX's new rideshare mission, and more space industry news.

Version 10.0.0 Release Notes

Version 10.0.0 Release Notes

The latest update introduces 3D satellite FOV cones, advanced sensor capabilities, and enhanced timelines, improving the way users interact with satellite data.

Space Brief 30 May 2025

Space Brief 30 May 2025

Today's brief highlights significant advancements in satellite launches, new defense contracts, and technological integrations between major firms in the space sector.

New Glenn Achieves First Booster Reuse on Mission 3 | KeepTrack Space Brief

New Glenn Achieves First Booster Reuse on Mission 3 | KeepTrack Space Brief

Blue Origin's New Glenn successfully reused its first stage booster for the first time on Mission 3, launching April 19. Booster reuse accelerates operational tempo.

Space Brief 8 Aug 2025

Space Brief 8 Aug 2025

Today's brief highlights significant shifts in military space spending due to the Golden Dome program, the U.S. Space Force's advancements in tactical satellite communications, and NASA's race to nuclear power in space.