Radar in a CubeSat
RainCube
RainCube (Radar in a CubeSat) is a technology demonstration mission to enable Ka-band precipitation radar technologies on a low-cost, quick-turnaround platform.
Radar in a CubeSat
RainCube (Radar in a CubeSat) is a technology demonstration mission to enable Ka-band precipitation radar technologies on a low-cost, quick-turnaround platform.
Launch Date
May 21, 2018
Type
CubeSat/SmallSat, Technology DemonstrationTarget
EarthStatus
PastRainCube (Radar in a CubeSat) is a technology demonstration mission to enable Ka-band precipitation radar technologies on a low-cost, quick-turnaround platform. Sponsored by NASA's Earth Science Technology Office (ESTO) through the InVEST-15 program, RainCube developed a 35.75 GHz radar payload to operate within the 6U CubeSat form factor. This mission will validate a new architecture for Ka-band radars and an ultra-compact lightweight deployable Ka-band antenna in a space environment to raise the technology readiness level (TRL) of the radar and antenna from 4 to 7 within the three year life of the program. RainCube will also demonstrate the feasibility of a radar payload on a CubeSat platform. The project completed integration and testing in February 2018 and was delivered in March 2018. RainCube will be delivered to the ISS on the OA-9 resupply mission that launched from NASA's Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia on May 21.
Instruments
Interactive 3D model of Rain Cube. View the full interactive experience at Eyes on the Solar System.