TACHELES Spacecraft - Nanosats Database

Spacecraft name	TACHELES
Form factor	CubeSat
Units or mass	12U
Status	Reentry 2026-04-02. Was semi-operational until 2026-04-02 (Orbit raising must have not worked, but some data received, last checked 2026-07-29)
Launched	2026-04-01
NORAD ID	68539
Deployer	CSD (Canisterized Satellite Dispenser) [Planetary Systems Corporation, Rocket Lab]
Launcher	SLS (Space Launch System) (Artemis-2)
Organization	DLR (German Aerospace Center)
Institution	Space agency
Entity type	Government (Civil / Military)
Country	Germany
Manufacturer	AIVT by Neurospace
Operator	Neurospace
Oneliner	Collect measurements on the effects of the space environment on electrical components to inform technologies for lunar vehicles.
Description	Collect measurements on the effects of the space environment on electrical components to inform technologies for lunar vehicles. A 12U CubeSat equipped with our Neurospace HiveR rover electronics, will fly as part of the ARTEMIS II mission. Once deployed, TACHELES will be placed in a highly elliptical orbit with an apogee of ~77,700 km – right within the Van Allen radiation belts. This challenging environment will allow us to test how radiation impacts rover electronics, their longevity, and reliability. Through a dedicated and unique propulsion maneuver, NEUROSPACE aims to extend the satellite’s lifetime well beyond typical expectations—from just a few days to years. Over this time, TACHELES will conduct experiments and transmit valuable data back to Earth.
Notes	Classification is based on NASA signing contracts with local space agencies.
Sources	[1] [2] [3] [4]
Photo sources	[1] [2] [3] [4]
Keywords	Beyond LEO orbit, Propulsion
On the same launch	ATENEA K-RadCube SWC-1 TACHELES

Last modified: 2026-07-31