CLASSIFIED BRIEF
APE-1 is a 12U CubeSat bound for lunar orbit.
The spacecraft is manifested as a secondary payload on a Falcon-class rideshare, with deployment on a translunar injection trajectory. After separation from the upper stage, onboard propulsion establishes a stable elliptical lunar orbit.
The ape remains with the payload for the full duration of flight. APE-1 carries no heat shield, no recovery system, and no splashdown corridor. Once released from the launch vehicle, the mission is committed to cis-lunar space.
Flight profile: launch, translunar transfer, lunar capture, extended orbital operations. Recovery: none. Designation: APE-1.