// communications · 2026

Bessa

Portuguese maritime communications satellite. Bessa was launched on March 30, 2026 aboard a Falcon 9 from Vandenberg. Latest status in GCAT: in orbit.

COSPAR 2026-067CXNORAD 68836Portugal

Identity

Name in GCAT: Bessa
Payload designation: Lusiada-2
International designator: 2026-067CX
NORAD catalog number: 68836
GCAT identifier: S68836

Mission

Mission type: Communications
Use: Commercial
Program: LUSO
Owner: LusoSpace
Country: Portugal
Builder: LusoSpace
Platform (bus): Cubesat 8U

Launch

Date: March 30, 2026 · 11:02 UTC
Launch record: 2026-067Success
Rocket: Falcon 9
Spaceport: Vandenberg · pad SLC4E

Orbit and fate

Orbit class (GCAT): LLEO/S
Perigee: 503 km
Apogee: 518 km
Inclination: 97.45°
Status: In orbit
Last known active: Mar 30, 2026

Size

Mass: 15 kg
Dry mass: 15 kg
Length: 0.4 m
Diameter: 0.20 m
Span: 0.4 m

Launched together

W-Series 6Microgravity · Varda Space OptiSatTechnology · ONERA PeakSatCommunications · Spire Capella 20Radar imaging · Capella Space CamoesCommunications · LusoSpace Saramago · LusoSpace Pessoa · LusoSpace

Source: GCAT payload, deep-space and lander catalogs, Jonathan C. McDowell (CC BY 4.0); Wikidata Q140554465 (CC0).