Operator | ASI / NASA |
---|---|
COSPAR ID | 2022-156G |
SATCAT no. | 55907 |
Mission duration | 739 days |
Spacecraft properties | |
Spacecraft | ArgoMoon |
Spacecraft type | CubeSat |
Bus | 6U CubeSat |
Manufacturer | Argotec |
Payload mass | 14 kg (31 lb) |
Dimensions | 12 cm x 24 cm x 36 cm |
Power | watts |
Start of mission | |
Launch date | 16 November 2022, 06:47:44 UTC[1] |
Rocket | SLS Block 1 |
Launch site | KSC, LC-39B |
Contractor | NASA |
Orbital parameters | |
Reference system | Heliocentric orbit |
ArgoMoon is a CubeSat that was launched into a heliocentric orbit on Artemis 1, the maiden flight of the Space Launch System, on 16 November 2022 at 06:47:44 UTC.[1][2] The objective of the ArgoMoon spacecraft is to take detailed images of the Interim Cryogenic Propulsion Stage following Orion separation, an operation that will demonstrate the ability of a cubesat to conduct precise proximity maneuvers in deep space. ASI has not confirmed nor denied whether this took place, but several images of the Earth and the Moon were taken.[3]
ArgoMoon will complete its operations using proprietary software for autonomous navigation. The spacecraft will also demonstrate long-distance optical communication with Earth.[4][5]