# BRITE-Lem

> Polish nanosatellite observatory

**Wikidata**: [Q11754062](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q11754062)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lem_(satellite))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/brite-lem

## Summary
BRITE-Lem is a Polish nanosatellite observatory, part of the BRITE-Constellation, designed as a technology demonstration spacecraft and space telescope to observe distant space objects. It was launched in 2013 and is named after the Polish science fiction author Stanisław Lem.

## Key Facts
- BRITE-Lem is classified as both a technology demonstration spacecraft and a space telescope.  
- It was launched on November 21, 2013, from Dombarovsky.  
- The satellite has a launch weight of 6.0 kilograms.  
- It is part of the BRITE-Constellation network of nanosatellites.  
- Named after the Polish author Stanisław Lem, it is operated by the Space Research Centre and Nicolaus Copernicus Astronomical Center, Polish Academy of Sciences.  
- Manufactured by the Space Research Centre and UTIAS Space Flight Laboratory (for the spacecraft bus).  
- Its Cospar ID is 2013-066R, and it orbits in low Earth orbit.  
- The country of origin is Poland (with Canadian involvement in the spacecraft bus).  
- It was funded by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education.

### FAQs
### Q: What is BRITE-Lem?
A: BRITE-Lem is a Polish nanosatellite observatory, part of the BRITE-Constellation, designed as a technology demonstration spacecraft and space telescope to observe distant space objects.  
### Q: When was BRITE-Lem launched?
A: It was launched on November 21, 2013, from Dombarovsky.  
### Q: Who operates BRITE-Lem?
A: It is operated by the Space Research Centre and Nicolaus Copernicus Astronomical Center, both part of the Polish Academy of Sciences.  
### Q: What is it named after?
A: BRITE-Lem is named after the renowned Polish science fiction author Stanisław Lem.  
### Q: What is its purpose?
A: Its purpose is to serve as a technology demonstration spacecraft and space telescope for observing distant space objects, contributing to space research.

## Why It Matters
BRITE-Lem represents a significant advancement in Polish space research, serving as the first Polish nanosatellite observatory and a key component of the BRITE-Constellation. As a technology demonstration spacecraft, it helped validate nanosatellite design and deployment, while its role as a space telescope enabled observations of distant celestial objects. The mission’s success demonstrated the feasibility of collaborative international efforts in space technology, with contributions from Polish and Canadian institutions. By combining scientific observation with technological innovation, BRITE-Lem advanced our understanding of space and paved the way for future nanosatellite missions.

## Notable For
- It is the first Polish nanosatellite observatory, marking a milestone in Poland’s space program.  
- Part of the BRITE-Constellation, a network of six nanosatellites working together to monitor stars and celestial phenomena.  
- Named after Stanisław Lem, a celebrated Polish author, adding cultural significance to the mission.  
- Achieved a launch weight of just 6.0 kilograms, exemplifying the efficiency of nanosatellite technology.  
- Launched on a Dnepr rocket from Dombarovsky, demonstrating the use of converted ICBMs for satellite deployment.

## Body
### Overview
BRITE-Lem is a nanosatellite observatory developed by Polish and Canadian institutions, operating in low Earth orbit to observe distant space objects. It is part of the BRITE-Constellation, a collaborative effort to study stars and celestial bodies using small satellites.

### Classification and Purpose
BRITE-Lem is classified as both a technology demonstration spacecraft and a space telescope. Its primary purpose is to observe distant space objects, such as stars, while also testing experimental nanosatellite technologies. As a space telescope, it contributes to astronomical research by collecting data on celestial phenomena.

### Launch and Orbit
Launched on November 21, 2013, at 07:10:17 UTC from Dombarovsky, Russia, BRITE-Lem entered low Earth orbit. Its orbit allows it to maintain a stable position for extended observation periods, enabling continuous monitoring of target stars.

### Design and Construction
The satellite has a launch weight of 6.0 kilograms, making it a nanosatellite. It uses the Gryphon spacecraft bus, designed by UTIAS Space Flight Laboratory, which provides the necessary structural and power systems. The Space Research Centre and Nicolaus Copernicus Astronomical Center, Polish Academy of Sciences, were responsible for the overall design and construction.

### Operators and Partners
BRITE-Lem is operated by two Polish institutions: the Space Research Centre and the Nicolaus Copernicus Astronomical Center, both part of the Polish Academy of Sciences. The mission was funded by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education, and the spacecraft bus was developed by UTIAS Space Flight Laboratory in Canada.

### Naming and Cultural Significance
The satellite is named after Stanisław Lem, a prominent Polish science fiction author known for works like *Solaris* and *Fiasco*. This naming choice reflects the mission’s connection to Polish culture and science fiction, which often explores themes of space exploration.

### Technical Specifications
- **Mass**: 6.0 kg (launch weight)  
- **Cospar ID**: 2013-066R  
- **Spacecraft Bus**: Gryphon (UTIAS Space Flight Laboratory)  
- **Launch Vehicle**: Dnepr (converted ICBM)  
- **Orbit**: Low Earth orbit  

```json
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Thing",
  "name": "BRITE-Lem",
  "description": "Polish nanosatellite observatory, part of the BRITE-Constellation, designed as a technology demonstration spacecraft and space telescope.",
  "url": "http://www.brite-pl.pl/",
  "sameAs": ["https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q6272367", "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lem_(satellite)"],
  "additionalType": "Spacecraft"
}

## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/brite-pl.htm)
2. The BRITE Constellation Nanosatellite Mission: Testing, Commissioning, and Operations
3. [Source](https://www.eoportal.org/satellite-missions/brite-poland)
4. Jonathan's Space Report
5. [Source](https://www.utias-sfl.net/canx-3-brite-constellation/)
6. [Source](https://www.eoportal.org/satellite-missions/brite-canada#background)
7. [Source](http://www.brite-pl.pl/pliki/satelita_en.html)
8. [Source](https://brite-constellation.at/constellation/basic_information/)