# ³Cat-1

> UPC NanoSat Lab nanosatellite that operated between 2018 and 2023

**Wikidata**: [Q130359764](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q130359764)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/3cat-1

## Summary  
³Cat-1 is a CubeSat nanosatellite developed by the UPC NanoSat Lab, launched in November 2018 and operational until April 2023. It was part of Catalonia's small satellite program and preceded by ³Cat-2.

## Key Facts  
- Launched on November 29, 2018  
- Ceased operations following orbital decay on April 4, 2023  
- Classified as a CubeSat (miniaturized satellite based on 10 cm cubic units)  
- Developed by UPC NanoSat Lab, Spain  
- Alias: 3Cat-1  
- Followed by ³Cat-2  
- SCN identifier: 43728  

## FAQs  
### Q: What is ³Cat-1?  
A: ³Cat-1 is a CubeSat nanosatellite built by the UPC NanoSat Lab. It was launched in November 2018 and remained operational until its orbit decayed in April 2023.

### Q: Who developed ³Cat-1?  
A: ³Cat-1 was developed by the UPC NanoSat Lab, associated with the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya in Spain.

### Q: How long was ³Cat-1 operational?  
A: ³Cat-1 operated for approximately four years, from its launch on November 29, 2018, until its orbital decay on April 4, 2023.

## Why It Matters  
³Cat-1 represents an important step in Catalonia’s growing space technology sector, demonstrating the region's capability to design, build, and operate low-cost, educational CubeSats. As part of the broader ³Cat mission series, it contributed to advancing knowledge in small satellite systems and promoted hands-on training for students and researchers. Its successful deployment and multi-year operation validated the feasibility of university-led missions within constrained budgets, encouraging further development of domestic space capabilities in Spain.

## Notable For  
- One of the early CubeSats developed entirely by a Catalan academic institution  
- Provided practical experience in satellite engineering and mission operations at a low cost  
- Operated successfully for nearly five years, exceeding many comparable educational satellites  
- Part of a sequential mission lineage leading to more advanced successors like ³Cat-2  

## Body  
### Mission Overview  
³Cat-1 was a CubeSat-class nanosatellite designed and constructed by the UPC NanoSat Lab. The mission aimed to provide hands-on experience in satellite development while supporting scientific and technological objectives relevant to future missions.

### Development and Launch  
The satellite was developed under the framework of the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC), emphasizing student involvement and affordable access to space technologies. It was launched into orbit on November 29, 2018.

### Operational Period  
³Cat-1 functioned nominally for several years before experiencing gradual orbital decay due to atmospheric drag. Operations officially ended on April 4, 2023, when the satellite reentered Earth’s atmosphere.

### Technical Classification  
As a CubeSat, ³Cat-1 adhered to standard modular dimensions based on 10-centimeter cubic units. This classification places it among numerous other miniaturized satellites used primarily for research, education, and technology demonstration purposes.

### Legacy and Succession  
Following its decommissioning, ³Cat-1 was succeeded by ³Cat-2, continuing the lineage of small satellite projects initiated by the UPC NanoSat Lab. These missions collectively support advancements in regional aerospace innovation and workforce development.