This is an engineering model of a Propagation Cubesat (Prop Cube). Designed by the Naval Postgraduate School and built by Tyvak Nano-Satellite Systems (part of Terran Orbital), three Prop Cubes were launched between 2015 and 2017. Their mission was to study variations in the electron densities in the Earth's ionosphere and their effects on various types of radio communications. Several sites transmitted high frequency radio waves, and the three Prop Cubes detected and measured the disruptions (or reshaping of densities) and downlinked the data to Earth. The results of the experiments are classified and unavailable. Terran Orbital donated this artifact.
Display Status
This object is on display in One World Connected at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC.
Object Details
Country of Origin
United States
Type
SPACECRAFT-Uncrewed-Electrical Power
Manufacturer
Terran Orbital/Tyvak
Dimensions
3-D: 11.1 × 11.1 × 11.4cm (4 3/8 × 4 3/8 × 4 1/2 in.)
Materials
Metal and plastic
Inventory Number
A20220421000
Credit Line
Gift of Terran Orbital Corporation
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
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