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PocketQube

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Mass
  
180g

Dimensions
  
5cm cubed

PocketQube

Launch date
  
(2017-03-22UTC08:55:03Z) UTC

A PocketQube is a type of miniaturized satellite for space research that usually has a size of 5 cm cubed, has a mass of no more than 180 grams, and typically uses commercial off-the-shelf components for its electronics.

Contents

Beginning in 2009, Morehead State University (MSU) and Kentucky Space developed the PocketQube specifications to help universities worldwide to perform space science and exploration. While the bulk of development comes from academia, several companies build PocketQube, such PocketQube Shop. PocketQube projects have even been the subject of Kickstarter campaigns. The PocketQube format is also popular with amateur radio satellite builders.

Design

The PocketQube specification accomplishes several high-level goals. Simplification makes it possible to design and produce a workable satellite at low cost. Encapsulation of the launcher-payload interface takes away the prohibitive amount of managerial work that would previously be required for mating a piggyback satellite with its launcher. Unification among payloads and launchers enables quick exchanges of payloads and utilization of launch opportunities on short notice. PocketQube is similar to Cubesat in this regard.

The standard was first proposed by Professor Bob Twiggs of (Morehead State University) and the intention was for a satellite which could fit in your pocket, hence the name PocketQube.

History

First proposed in 2009 as a solution to the increasing costs of Cubesat launches to Low Earth Orbit, the first 4 PocketQube Satellites were launched on 21 November 2013 onboard their mothership Unisat-5. The next expected launch will be on UniSat-6. The largest so far is a 3P PocketQube called T-Logoqube

PocketQube vs PocketQub

The PocketQube standard originally started as 'PocketQub'. This was changed in 2012 by Professor Bob Twiggs (Morehead State University). The standard is now referred to as PocketQube.

References

PocketQube Wikipedia