Delfi-n3Xt is a Dutch nanosatellite which is operated by Delft University of Technology.[4] It was launched on 21 November 2013.[5] It is a three-unit CubeSat which will be used to demonstrate propulsion and communications systems for future missions.[6]

Delfi-n3Xt
Mission typeEducation and Technology Demonstration
OperatorDelft University of Technology
COSPAR ID2013-066N Edit this at Wikidata
SATCAT no.39428
Websitewww.delfispace.nl
Mission duration11 years, 1 day
(in progress)
Spacecraft properties
Spacecraft type3U CubeSat
ManufacturerPumpkin, Inc
Launch mass3 kilograms (6.6 lb)[1]
Dimensions10 x 10 x 30 cm [1]
Start of mission
Launch date21 November 2013, 07:10:16 (2013-11-21UTC07:10:16Z) UTC[2]
RocketDnepr
Launch siteDombarovsky 370/13
ContractorKosmotras
Orbital parameters
Reference systemGeocentric
RegimeLow Earth
Perigee altitude599 kilometres (372 mi)
Apogee altitude780 kilometres (480 mi)
Inclination97.76 degrees
Period98.41 minutes
Epoch24 May 2014, 14:04:39 UTC[3]

Delfi-n3Xt was launched successfully by a Dnepr carrier rocket flying from Site 370/13 at the Dombarovsky launch site. Delfi was a secondary payload aboard the rocket, whose primary mission was to deploy DubaiSat 2 and STSAT-3. Delfi was one of 25 secondary payloads aboard the rocket, for a total of 32 satellites.

The Delfi team made contact with the satellite during its first pass.

References

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  1. ^ a b Guo, Jian; Bouwmeester, Jasper; Gill, Eberhard (April 2016). "In-orbit results of Delfi-n3Xt: Lessons learned and move forward". Acta Astronautica. 121: 39–50. Bibcode:2016AcAau.121...39G. doi:10.1016/j.actaastro.2015.12.003. Retrieved 21 August 2023.
  2. ^ Graham, William (21 November 2013). "Russian Dnepr conducts record breaking 32 satellite haul". NASASpaceflight.com. Retrieved 21 November 2013.
  3. ^ "DELFI-N3XT Satellite details 2013-066N NORAD 39428". N2YO. 24 May 2014. Retrieved 25 May 2014.
  4. ^ Delfi-n3Xt. Retrieved February 6, 2010.
  5. ^ Delfi Space
  6. ^ Krebs, Gunter. "Delfi-n3Xt". Gunter's Space Page. Retrieved 9 April 2013.