ArgoMoon

ArgoMoon
Prelaunch processing of ArgoMoon spacecraft
OperatorASI / NASA
COSPAR ID2022-156G Edit this at Wikidata
SATCAT no.55907
Mission duration726 days
Spacecraft properties
SpacecraftArgoMoon
Spacecraft typeCubeSat
Bus6U CubeSat
ManufacturerArgotec
Payload mass14 kg (31 lb)
Dimensions12 cm x 24 cm x 36 cm
Powerwatts
Start of mission
Launch date16 November 2022, 06:47:44 UTC[1]
RocketSLS Block 1
Launch siteKSC, LC-39B
ContractorNASA
Orbital parameters
Reference systemHeliocentric 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]

  1. ^ a b Roulette, Joey; Gorman, Steve (16 November 2022). "NASA's next-generation Artemis mission heads to moon on debut test flight". Reuters. Retrieved 16 November 2022.
  2. ^ Clark, Stephen (12 October 2021). "Adapter structure with 10 CubeSats installed on top of Artemis moon rocket". Spaceflight Now. Retrieved 23 October 2021.
  3. ^ "ArgoMoon - Satellite Missions - eoPortal Directory". directory.eoportal.org. Archived from the original on 18 August 2022. Retrieved 17 August 2022.
  4. ^ "NASA's Space Launch System to Boost Science with Secondary Payloads". NASA. 1 February 2016. Archived from the original on 1 January 2023. Retrieved 12 March 2021. Public Domain This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
  5. ^ ""ArgoMoon: the Italian excellence at one "click" from the Moon"" (PDF). Argotec. 2 February 2016. Archived from the original (PDF) on 1 February 2021. Retrieved 12 March 2021.