Satellite by AGH University students launched into orbit-- AGH University of Krakow

Photograph: AGH University

Satellite by AGH University students launched into orbit

14-01-2025

Developed by AGH University students within the SatLab Student Research Club in cooperation with the AGH University Space Technology Centre, the smallest Polish satellite, HYPE, will be launched into orbit on 14 January 2025.

HYPE is a PocketQube satellite measuring 5 × 5 × 5 cm. It is the first satellite fully created by students, also the smallest one in Poland. Its entire design and construction process was carried out by young AGH University researchers. This required a great deal of dedication, overcoming numerous technical challenges, and allowed the students to gain unique experience in aerospace and satellite engineering.

Its will be launched on 14 January 2025, from the Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. The smallest Polish satellite will depart into space as part of the Falcon 9 Transporter-12 mission. HYPE will be launched into orbit at an altitude of 525 km, where it will begin its pioneering mission.

“The satellite will be in its target orbit as early as tomorrow. Within 5-10 days, HYPE will be separated from the rest of the D-Orbit spacecraft and ejected from the capsule into space. Once it moves away from the other satellites, the unfolding sequence will begin, releasing the mechanism that secures the antennas and selfie stick. It is then that we will start the procedure of establishing communication and launching subsystems,” said Jan Rosa, a board member of SatLab.

The young engineers have developed a device with numerous technological and educational capabilities. It has a miniature spectrometer that allows to observe the Earth. This, in turn, will let us assess the light and volcanic dust pollutions as well as observe the forest area degradation. Detection of gas and dust emissions will enable modelling of the impact of volcanic activity on the environment and human health. Observations of forest degradation can help monitor deforestation and assess the effectiveness of conservation efforts. The data from HYPE may be used as part of research projects, to learn the methods for space data analysis and spectroscopy. Through this research, students will gain invaluable experience in the design and implementation of space missions.

The HYPE mission will also use a miniature camera mounted on a folding arm. The camera will be pointed at the satellite's display, which will show graphics sent from the ground station. This part of the mission is aimed at promoting Polish technological achievements and popularising space science and technology. HYPE's mission is to inspire the younger generation and encourage children and students to challenge themselves in the fields of science and technology and develop a passion for space exploration.

“The goal was quite ambitious. We relied on our own knowledge, tests, a plethora of scientific materials and consultations. Creating HYPE has been a beautiful adventure that has shown how extensive amount of knowledge and experience can be gained in a short period of time through determination. The completion of this project would not have been possible without the teamwork of many ambitious and committed young people,” said Pawel Rapta, one of the satellite's developers.

The last few months have been a time of intensive preparation, training, and knowledge exchange for the members of SatLab, as well as the creation of the necessary infrastructure and technical facilities at the university. At the end of December, an antenna was installed on the roof of the AGH Space Technology Centre, which will be able to precisely monitor the trajectory of the HYPE nanosatellite and enable constant communication with the object in orbit. The university's new acquisition will provide future contact with satellites for the projects to come.

“In the future, we plan to equip the lab with an X-ray machine for checking electronics and structures, and a clean room for building components and integrating them. Our next project is a larger satellite, in the CubeSat standard, intended to monitor the Earth’s surface in multiple light frequencies and test an experimental module for laser communication. It will be the first such module created in Poland. It will contain a biological payload, studying the effect of space radiation. The project is aimed to deliver satellite data from a hyperspectral camera to Polish institutions,” explained Jan Rosa, the club’s board member.

We highly encourage you to follow the fate of our satellite on the club’s social media accounts: