NASA Small Satellite phones home!

The first of NASA’s radio miniature satellite that was launched last week has radioed back to confirm that it’s in orbit and operational. NASA and The Aerospace Corporation, California, received confirmation that the Optical Communications and Sensor Demonstration (OCSD) CubeSat spacecraft is in orbit and operational.

Last week the OCSD had an Atlas V rocket was launched from the Vandenberg Air Force base in California. The OCSD is one of NASA’s six managed technology demonstration missions that are set to launch during the coming months. Using CubeSats to test technologies that can enable more uses for the satellites, themselves.

This is intended to help boost use within the public sector such as government agencies who need to launch projects and it also includes those who are in academia to provide more scholarships for students who are aiming to further their careers in the field of aerospace.