QUESS, Lixing-1, & 3CAT 2

Quantum Experiments at Space Scale (QUESS), is an international research project in the field of quantum physics. QUESS is a proof-of-concept mission designed to facilitate quantum optics experiments over long distances to allow the development of quantum encryption and quantum teleportation technology.

Lixing 1 is a Chinese satellite to conduct research on the rarified upper atmosphere, which was developed by the Chinese Academy of Sciences. Lixing 1 was shown on the launch animation as an object of elongated cylinder shape. It likely features some kind of propulsion to lower the orbit and to maintain the low orbit.

3Cat 2 is a 6U CubeSat developed at the Universidad Politécnica de Cataluña (UPC) to demonstrate a novel dual-frequency (L1+L2) GNSS-R altimeter/scatterometer and GNSS-RO. The mission is designed to perform ocean altimetry by means of Global Navigation Satellite Systems Reflectometry (GNSS-R). The main payload is the novel dual-band altimeter P(Y) & C/A ReflectOmeter (PYCARO) which has been designed and manufactured at UPC’s Remote Sensing Lab and NanoSat Lab. It also integrates the Mirabilis Star Tracker, an experimental star tracker for attitude determination, and the AMR eLISA magnetometer designed and manufactured at IEEC for the future ESA’s LISA mission.