Czech Republic begins space exploration with SATurnin-1 launch

As reported by the Czech Ministry of Defence, the country has joined the ranks of nations exploring space. The Czech Republic has placed its largest satellite, SATurnin-1, in orbit. The satellite, which weighs 14 kilograms and measures 33 cm x 23 cm x 23 cm, was built by the Research Test and Aerospace Institute at the request of the Czech Department of Defence.

Its main task is high-resolution Earth imaging, enabled by a camera mounted on board. The satellite can capture 100 daily images, which are processed in orbit using artificial intelligence.

The SATurnin-1 project, initiated in 2022, was completed in September 2024. The construction occurred at the National Aviation and Space Research Centre VZLU Aerospace, where a team of experts and engineers carried out all the necessary assembly work. After completion, the satellite was transported to the United States. Thanks to SpaceX's cooperation, SATurnin-1 was launched into orbit using a Falcon 9 rocket, marking the pinnacle of this endeavour.

The Czechs are not stopping at SATurnin-1 and are working on additional satellites, including a project similar to SATurnin-1 but intended for scientific purposes. The new satellites will also be equipped with instruments for high-resolution Earth imaging.