HYPE
 An image of HYPE near completion | |
| Mission type | Technology demonstration |
|---|---|
| Operator | AGH University of Krakow |
| COSPAR ID | 2025-009CG |
| SATCAT no. | 62687 |
| Spacecraft properties | |
| Spacecraft type | PocketQube |
| Manufacturer | SatLab AGH |
| Start of mission | |
| Launch date | 14 January 2025, 19:09:00 UTC |
| Rocket | Falcon 9 |
| Launch site | Vandenberg SCL-4 |
| Contractor | SpaceX Transporter-12 |
| Orbital parameters | |
| Regime | LEO |
| Apogee altitude | 525 kilometres (326 mi) |
HYPE is a Polish PocketQube nanosatellite developed by students at the AGH University of Krakow designed with a "selfie-stick" to image a 240x240px OLED screen on the satellite's surface. At the time of its launch onboard the Falcon 9 Transporter-12 it is the smallest Polish satellite at 5x5x5cm.
Development
[edit]The name of the satellite, HYPE, was chosen by the students due to their enthusiasm in the project, to show that space is in reach for average people.[1] The satellite is in part a proof of concept to promote the expansion of AGH's satellite building capabilities, and to expand various AGH labs and ground infrastructure to allow further space development on campus.[2] The team behind HYPE have already started work on a larger cubesat to include a hyperspectral camera and an experimental laser communication module.[3]
The satellite was developed by the "SatLab" a club at the AGH University of Krakow in cooperation with the AGH Space Technology Centre.[4] A special antenna was installed on the roof of the Space Technology Centre to remain in contact with HYPE, as well as to facilitate communications to future satellites.[4][5] Although the satellite can also be communicated with through amateur radios.[1]
Payload
[edit]The satellite's primary payload was a "selfie stick", a camera module attached to a boom that would hang off the side of the satellite.[1] The camera was positioned to take pictures of a 240x240px OLED screen which people can upload an image to, and receive a picture of a "selfie" of the image from the satellite.[1] The goal of this mission is to promote Polish technological achievements and popularize space science and technology within Poland.[2]
The satellite's secondary payloads include a infrared spectrometer for the 640-1050nm range to monitor light pollution, the status of rain forests, and volcanic eruptions, as well as an experimental laser communication module, the first of its kind in Poland.[1][6] The development team stated that they hope the data from HYPE could support research on topics including deforestation and gas emissions.[6]
Mission
[edit]HYPE would be launched on-board the SpaceX Falcon 9 Transporter-12 on January 14, 2025, at 19:09 UTC from Vandenberg Space Force Base.[6][7] Upon reaching an orbit of 525km, the satellite would be deployed and within a 5-10 day window will separate from the other payloads and begin the process of unfurling its antenna and camera boom.[4]
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d e "HYPE Spacecraft". nanosats.eu. Retrieved 10 February 2025.
- ^ a b "A satellite created by our students will be launched into orbit!". AGH University of Krakow. Retrieved 10 February 2025.
- ^ "Kraków students launch Poland's smallest satellite for environmental research". warsawpoint. Retrieved 10 February 2025.
- ^ a b c "SpaceX launches rocket with Poland's first student-made satellite". Telewizja Polska. Retrieved 10 February 2025.
- ^ "AGH Installs Specialized Antenna for Satellite Communication". polanddaily24. Retrieved 10 February 2025.
- ^ a b c "Kraków students launch Poland's smallest satellite for environmental research". Polskie Radio. Retrieved 10 February 2025.
- ^ "Polish Students Launch Smallest Satellite HYPE Into Orbit". polanddaily24. Retrieved 10 February 2025.