# ALMASat-1

> Satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q4033801](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q4033801)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ALMASat-1)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/almasat-1

## Summary  
ALMASat-1 is a small Italian artificial satellite designed by the University of Bologna, launched in 2012 as part of the Vega rocket's maiden flight. It operated as an amateur radio satellite and was part of a mission to demonstrate microsatellite technology. The satellite is now inactive.

## Key Facts  
- **Launch Date**: February 13, 2012  
- **Mass**: 12.5 kg  
- **Operator**: University of Bologna  
- **Launch Vehicle**: Vega (retired European launch vehicle)  
- **Orbital Parameters**: Apoapsis 1,250 km, periapsis 311 km, inclination 69.5°, orbital period 100.32 minutes  
- **Country of Origin**: Italy  
- **Classifications**: Small satellite, amateur radio satellite, artificial satellite of the Earth  
- **COSPAR ID**: 2012-006B  
- **Status**: Inactive  

## FAQs  
### Q: What was the purpose of ALMASat-1?  
A: ALMASat-1 was designed to demonstrate microsatellite technology and served as an amateur radio satellite for communication experiments.  

### Q: Who operated ALMASat-1?  
A: The satellite was operated by the University of Bologna, which also designed it.  

### Q: Is ALMASat-1 still active?  
A: No, ALMASat-1 is currently inactive, having completed its mission after launch in 2012.  

## Why It Matters  
ALMASat-1 was significant as one of the payloads on the inaugural flight of the Vega rocket, marking Europe's entry into the small satellite launch market. Developed by the University of Bologna, it showcased Italy's capabilities in microsatellite design and contributed to advancements in amateur radio satellite technology. Its mission provided valuable data for future small satellite projects, demonstrating cost-effective solutions for space research. Although inactive, ALMASat-1 remains a milestone in Italy's aerospace achievements and the broader development of small satellites.  

## Notable For  
- **First Vega Launch**: Part of the maiden flight of the Vega rocket in 2012.  
- **Microsatellite Demonstration**: Showcased lightweight (12.5 kg) satellite technology.  
- **Amateur Radio Use**: Enabled amateur radio communication experiments.  

## Body  
### Launch and Mission  
- Launched on **February 13, 2012**, from **Ensemble de Lancement Vega**.  
- Primary mission: Technology demonstration for microsatellites.  

### Technical Specifications  
- **Mass**: 12.5 kg  
- **Orbit**: Elliptical with apoapsis 1,250 km and periapsis 311 km.  
- **Inclination**: 69.5°  
- **Orbital Period**: 100.32 minutes  

### Design and Operation  
- **Designed by**: University of Bologna  
- **Operator**: University of Bologna  
- **Status**: Inactive  

### Classification  
- **Instance of**: Small satellite, amateur radio satellite, artificial satellite of the Earth.  

### Legacy  
- Contributed to the validation of Vega rocket's capability for small payloads.  
- Advanced Italy's role in microsatellite development.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013