DESPATCH (ARTSAT 2, FO-81)

DESPATCH (ARTSAT 2, FO-81) is classified as:

Space & Earth Science

NORAD ID: 40321

Int'l Code: 2014-076C

Launch date: December 3, 2014
Source: Japan (JPN)
Launch site: TANEGASHIMA SPACE CENTER (TNSTA)

DESPATCH (Deep Space Amateur Troubadour's Challenge) space probe is an art project of the Tama Art University. It is the second mission of the "ARTSAT: Art and Satellite Project". The sculpture, which is 50 by 50 by 45 cm with a mass of 32 kg, was developed at the Tama Art University using a 3D Printer. The containment vessel carries a CW beacon in the 435 MHz band using an omni-directional antenna. The satellite should provide the ultimate in ham radio DX reception when at its maximum operational distance of 3 million km from Earth about a week after launch. Being battery powered without solar panels it will have a low transmit cycle to maximize the lifespan.