# Aalto-1

> Finnish research nanosatellite

**Wikidata**: [Q3270586](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q3270586)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aalto-1)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/aalto-1

## Summary
Aalto-1 is a Finnish research nanosatellite operated by Aalto University. It is a CubeSat, a class of miniaturized spacecraft built from standard 10-cm cubic modules, with a total mass of 4 kilograms. The satellite was successfully launched into Earth orbit on June 23, 2017, aboard an Indian Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle-XL.

## Key Facts
- **Classification:** Aalto-1 is a CubeSat and an artificial satellite of the Earth.
- **Operator:** The satellite is operated by Aalto University in Finland.
- **Launch Date:** It was launched on June 23, 2017.
- **Launch Vehicle:** The satellite was delivered to orbit by a Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle-XL (PSLV-XL).
- **Mass:** The spacecraft has a total mass of 4 kilograms.
- **COSPAR ID:** Its international designator is 2017-036L.
- **Satellite Catalog Number:** Its SCN is 42775.
- **Configuration:** It is constructed as a miniaturized satellite made up of 10cm-sided cubic modules.

## FAQs
### Q: Who operates the Aalto-1 satellite?
A: Aalto-1 is operated by Aalto University, a university based in Finland. It serves as a research nanosatellite for the institution.

### Q: When and how was Aalto-1 launched?
A: Aalto-1 was launched on June 23, 2017. It was sent into space using a Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle-XL, a model of the Indian Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle.

### Q: What type of satellite is Aalto-1?
A: Aalto-1 is classified as a CubeSat, which is a type of miniaturized satellite composed of standard 10cm-sided cubic modules. It is specifically a 4-kilogram research nanosatellite.

## Why It Matters
Aalto-1 represents a significant development in Finnish space technology and academic research capabilities. As a nanosatellite operated by Aalto University, it demonstrates the viability of the CubeSat standard—miniaturized satellites built from 10-cm cubic modules—for conducting research in Earth orbit. Weighing only 4 kilograms, the spacecraft highlights the trend toward smaller, more cost-effective platforms compared to traditional, massive satellites.

The mission underscores the role of academic institutions in the space sector, moving beyond theoretical research to the operation of live orbital assets. Its launch via the Indian Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle-XL in 2017 illustrates international cooperation in space access, allowing Finnish payloads to reach orbit through established launch providers. As an artificial satellite of the Earth cataloged under SCN 42775, Aalto-1 contributes to the growing ecosystem of small satellites used for scientific observation and technological demonstration.

## Notable For
- **Finnish University Operation:** It is a research satellite operated specifically by Aalto University.
- **CubeSat Standard:** It utilizes the standard 10cm-sided cubic module format characteristic of CubeSats.
- **Specific Mass Classification:** It has a defined mass of 4 kilograms, placing it in the nanosatellite category.
- **Launch Configuration:** It was launched via the XL variant of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle.
- **Orbital Identification:** It is uniquely identified by the COSPAR ID 2017-036L and SCN 42775.

## Body

### Technical Specifications
Aalto-1 is an artificial satellite of the Earth designed under the CubeSat standard. This class of spacecraft is defined by the use of miniaturized components and a structural format based on 10cm-sided cubic modules. The specific configuration of Aalto-1 results in a total mass of 4 kilograms. The satellite is tracked internationally under the Satellite Catalog Number (SCN) 42775 and the COSPAR ID 2017-036L.

### Mission History
The satellite's significant operational milestone was its rocket launch on June 23, 2017. This event marked the transition of the spacecraft from ground-based testing to an active orbital asset.

### Launch Details
Aalto-1 was deployed using the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle-XL (PSLV-XL). This vehicle is a specific model of the Indian Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle designed for enhanced payload capacity. The launch successfully placed the Finnish research nanosatellite into orbit around the Earth.

### Organizational Context
The satellite is a product of and is currently operated by Aalto University. It serves as a platform for research, fitting the classification of a research nanosatellite. While early test models were developed prior to launch, the flight model represents the active unit in orbit.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report