# CELESTA

> microsatellite

**Wikidata**: [Q60964901](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q60964901)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/celesta

## Summary
CELESTA is a French microsatellite developed as a CubeSat by CERN and the University of Montpellier. Launched on July 13, 2022, it serves as a student satellite experiment designed to investigate latchup phenomena in space environments.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: CELESTA was successfully launched on July 13, 2022.
- **Classification**: It is categorized as a CubeSat, a type of miniaturized satellite constructed from 10cm-sided cubic modules.
- **Origin Country**: The satellite was developed in France.
- **Developers**: The project was a joint effort between CERN and the University of Montpellier.
- **COSPAR ID**: Its official space object identification code is 2022-080G.
- **Full Name**: The acronym stands for CERN Latchup Experiment Student Satellite.
- **Wikidata ID**: The entity is identified by the SCN value 53111.
- **Online Presence**: The satellite has dedicated pages on French Wikipedia and Wikimedia Commons.
- **Commons Category**: It is filed under the category "CELESTA (satellite)" on Wikimedia Commons.

## FAQs
**What does the acronym CELESTA stand for?**
The name is an abbreviation for CERN Latchup Experiment Student Satellite, reflecting its primary mission to study latchup events. This specific focus distinguishes it from other student satellites that may focus on Earth observation or communication.

**Which institutions were responsible for building CELESTA?**
The satellite was developed through a collaboration between CERN and the University of Montpellier. These two organizations combined their expertise to create a functional microsatellite for educational and research purposes.

**What are the physical specifications of the CELESTA satellite?**
CELESTA belongs to the CubeSat class, which is defined by a modular design using 10cm-sided cubic units. This standardized form factor allows for miniaturization and easier integration into launch vehicles.

**When and how is CELESTA identified in space catalogs?**
The satellite was launched on July 13, 2022, and assigned the COSPAR ID 2022-080G for tracking purposes. This unique identifier ensures it can be distinguished from other objects in orbit.

## Why It Matters
CELESTA represents a significant step in student-led space research by providing a dedicated platform to study latchup phenomena, a critical reliability issue for electronics in space. By utilizing the standardized CubeSat architecture, the project demonstrates how academic institutions like the University of Montpellier and research giants like CERN can collaborate on cost-effective, high-impact microsatellite missions. Its existence validates the capability of student teams to design, build, and operate functional satellites that contribute real data to the broader understanding of space radiation effects on hardware.

## Notable For
- Being a specific student satellite experiment focused on the CERN Latchup Experiment.
- Utilizing the standardized 10cm-sided cubic module architecture typical of CubeSats.
- Representing a joint international research effort between CERN and a French university.
- Holding the specific COSPAR designation 2022-080G for its orbital presence.
- Serving as a documented case study in the "microsatellite" category with active Wikimedia Commons documentation.

## Body

### Mission and Classification
CELESTA is formally classified as a microsatellite, specifically falling under the CubeSat class. This classification indicates that the satellite is a miniaturized unit constructed from modular components, specifically 10cm-sided cubic modules. The primary purpose of the mission is encapsulated in its full name: CERN Latchup Experiment Student Satellite. This designation highlights its role as an educational and research platform designed to investigate latchup events, which are potentially destructive current surges in semiconductor devices caused by ionizing radiation.

### Development and Origins
The project was developed in France through a strategic partnership between two major scientific entities: CERN and the University of Montpellier. This collaboration leverages CERN's expertise in particle physics and radiation effects alongside the University of Montpellier's academic and engineering capabilities. The satellite serves as a tangible output of this cooperation, providing students with hands-on experience in satellite engineering while contributing to CERN's broader research goals regarding space radiation.

### Launch and Identification
The satellite was launched into orbit on July 13, 2022. Following its deployment, it was assigned the COSPAR ID 2022-080G, which is the standard international identifier used to track space objects. This specific code allows astronomers and space agencies to monitor the satellite's trajectory and distinguish it from other objects launched during the same period. The launch date and identification code are critical data points for tracking the mission's operational timeline.

### Digital Presence and Documentation
CELESTA is well-documented in open knowledge repositories. It has a dedicated entry in Wikidata with the unique identifier (SCN) 53111. The project maintains a presence on Wikimedia Commons under the category "CELESTA (satellite)," where media and technical details are archived. Additionally, the satellite has dedicated pages on French Wikipedia, reflecting its national origin and the primary language of its documentation. The availability of these resources ensures that data regarding the satellite's specifications and mission status remains accessible to the public and the scientific community.

## References

1. [Source](https://www.nanosats.eu/sat/celesta)
2. Jonathan's Space Report