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Three New CubeSats Deployed from the ISS on November 19

The spacecraft will conduct scientific research in low-Earth orbit

Nov 20, 2013 10:26 GMT  ·  By
Image showing three CubeSats that were launched from the ISS in 2012, during Expedition 33
   Image showing three CubeSats that were launched from the ISS in 2012, during Expedition 33

Astronauts on the International Space Station had a busy day yesterday (Nov. 19). Expedition39 members started by launching a new trio of miniature satellites, spacecraft collectively known as CubeSats. These are very small spacecraft that carry scientific instruments for accurate studies. 

The three CubeSats released in space yesterday were deployed from the airlock on the Kibo Laboratory module, which was built by the Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). The event began at 7:10 am EST (1210 GMT). Another CubeSat was released earlier today, at 2:50 am EST (0750 GMT).

All satellites were removed from the airlock using a Japanese robotic arm on the Kibo module. The miniaturized spacecraft were attached to a dispenser mechanism, which then inserted them into their respective orbits, Space Fellowship reports.

In addition to deploying these vehicles, the six-astronaut crew of Expedition 38 also tested a new spacesuit, before returning to their usual research and maintenance. The ISS requires constant supervision to remain within optimal parameters.