University of Luxembourg’s first satellite successfully launched on SpaceX Falcon 9

The University of Luxembourg’s first miniaturised satellite POQUITO (PocketQube for In-Orbit Technology Operations) was successfully launched into space from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California, on 14 January at 11.09 local time. The satellite took off onboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket as part of the Transporter-12 rideshare mission. 

Measuring 5x5x5 cm, roughly the size of a Rubik’s Cube, POQUITO will be deployed into a sun-synchronous orbit at 525 km altitude via Alba Orbital’s rideshare services, using an AlbaPod PocketQube deployer.

Developed by the Space Systems Engineering (SpaSys) team at the Interdisciplinary Centre for Security, Reliability and Trust (SnT), POQUITO is a significant milestone as the University of Luxembourg’s first fully owned satellite. The project, designed, built and operated by researchers and students of the University, aims to demonstrate ultra-miniaturised technologies in space.

POQUITO hosts a 5x5x0.2 cm ChipSat, a printed circuit board payload operating autonomously. The mission is to test optical communication between the satellite and the ChipSat using miniaturised LEDs (Light-emitting diodes), and control the satellite using the Earth’s magnetic field. This experiment marks an important step toward advancing satellite miniaturisation, a key technological development to reduce costs and make space more accessible.

This is a landmark achievement for the University of Luxembourg. With this launch, we are building up strategic capabilities for Luxembourg and laying the groundwork for future space missions.” said Prof. Jens Kreisel, Rector of University of Luxembourg.

“For the first time, we have managed every aspect of a space mission, from design and testing to licensing and securing a launch carrier”, said Prof. Andreas Hein, Head of the SpaSys team at SnT. “We will leverage this experience to drive future space projects and push the boundaries of satellite miniaturisation.”

The satellite will operate for up to three years, communicating with SnT’s ground station on Kirchberg campus in Luxembourg via UHF (Ultra High Frequencies) frequencies. It will provide open access to telemetry and communication tests, contributing valuable insights for the development of future miniaturised space technologies.

This article was first published on 15 January by University of Luxembourg.