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RAINCUBE (43548)
COSPAR: 1998-067NW | Alt Name: RainCube
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
November 20, 1998
Launch Site
Launch Pad
Pad 0A
Launch Vehicle
Antares 230
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
43548
International Designator
1998-067NW
Decay Date
12/23/2020
Basic Satellite Info
Name
RAINCUBE
Alternative Name
RainCube
Type
Payload
Status
Decayed
Owner
JPL
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Summary
RAINCUBE, also known as RainCube, is a 6U CubeSat satellite developed by JPL/TYVAK for technology demonstration purposes and owned by JPL. It was launched on November 20, 1998, from the Tanegashima Space Center (TYMSC) using an Antares 230 launch vehicle. The satellite measures 0.3 meters in length, has a diameter of 0.2 meters, and spans 0.5 meters with its solar arrays deployed. Its dry mass is 12 kilograms, which is the same as its launch mass. RainCube is equipped with Ka-band radar for its payload and powered by two deployable fixed solar arrays and batteries. It reached a stable orbit on July 13, 2018. The satellite's shape consists of a box design with two solar panels and a dish antenna.
Physical Characteristics
Length
0.3
Diameter
0.2
Span
0.5
Dry Mass
12
Launch Mass
12
Shape
Box+ 2 pan + dish
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
RainCube
Purpose
Technology
Mission
Technology
Manufacturer
JPL/TYVAK
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Cubesat 6U
Configuration
CubeSat (6U)
Motor
None
Equipment
Ka-band radar
Power System
2 deployable fixed solar arrays, batteries
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
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