CubeSpec
Future European astronomy CubeSat
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
CubeSpec is a future astronomy CubeSat mission under development by the European Space Agency (ESA) and KU Leuven.[1][2] Its objective is to test a low-cost small satellite platform for long-term spectroscopic monitoring of stars from space on the specific case of asteroseismology of massive stars. Similar satellites can be used for many astronomical applications including characterization of exoplanets. To facilitate this versatility, CubeSpec is testing an easily reconfigurable platform with the potential of observing in a broad range of wavelengths (in visible ligh and UV) and resolutions.[3][4][5][6][7] CubeSpec is scheduled to launch in mid-2026.[8][9]
Mission typeAsteroseismology,
technology demonstration
technology demonstration
Operator
European Space Agency
European Space AgencySpacecraft type12U CubeSat
Manufacturer
KU Leuven
KU Leuven| Mission type | Asteroseismology, technology demonstration |
|---|---|
| Operator | European Space Agency |
| Spacecraft properties | |
| Spacecraft type | 12U CubeSat |
| Manufacturer | KU Leuven |
| Start of mission | |
| Launch date | Q2 2026 |
| Orbital parameters | |
| Reference system | Geocentric |
| Regime | Sun-synchronous |
| Altitude | 500 km |
