# Celeste IOD-1 > satellite **Wikidata**: [Q138784083](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q138784083) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/celeste-iod-1 ## Summary Celeste IOD-1 is a CubeSat technology demonstration spacecraft developed as part of the European Space Agency's (ESA) Celeste program. Launched on March 28, 2026, it serves as a testbed for experimental technologies in low Earth orbit, specifically focusing on positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) systems. Built by GMV Innovating Solutions and OHB SE, the satellite weighs 20 kilograms and consists of 12 CubeSat units. ## Key Facts - **Classification**: Technology demonstration spacecraft and CubeSat - **Mass**: 20 kilograms - **Volume**: 12 CubeSat units (10 cm-sided cubic modules) - **Launch Date**: March 28, 2026, at 09:14 UTC - **Launch Site**: Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1A - **Launch Vehicle**: Electron rocket - **Manufacturers**: GMV Innovating Solutions and OHB SE - **Aliases**: LEO-PNT Pathfinder A - **Part of**: Celeste program - **Significant Event**: Part of the "Daughter of the Stars" mission, alongside Celeste IOD-2 - **References**: ESA, Rocket Lab, Next Spaceflight ## FAQs ### Q: What is the primary purpose of Celeste IOD-1? A: Celeste IOD-1 is a technology demonstration satellite designed to test experimental positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) systems in low Earth orbit. It serves as a testbed for validating new technologies before they are deployed on operational missions. ### Q: Who built Celeste IOD-1? A: The satellite was built by GMV Innovating Solutions and OHB SE, two European aerospace companies, under the European Space Agency's Celeste program. ### Q: How large is Celeste IOD-1? A: Celeste IOD-1 is a CubeSat consisting of 12 CubeSat units, each measuring 10 cm on each side, and has a mass of 20 kilograms. ### Q: When and where was Celeste IOD-1 launched? A: Celeste IOD-1 was launched on March 28, 2026, at 09:14 UTC from Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1A aboard an Electron rocket as part of the "Daughter of the Stars" mission. ## Why It Matters Celeste IOD-1 plays a crucial role in advancing space technology by providing a real-world test environment for experimental PNT systems. As a technology demonstration spacecraft, it helps validate new technologies in the harsh conditions of space before they are integrated into operational satellites. This reduces the risk of failure in critical missions and accelerates the development of more reliable and efficient space-based navigation and timing solutions. The data collected from Celeste IOD-1 will contribute to improving global positioning, navigation, and timing services, benefiting applications ranging from satellite communications to scientific research. ## Notable For - **First CubeSat PNT Testbed**: Celeste IOD-1 is one of the first CubeSats specifically designed to test positioning, navigation, and timing technologies in orbit. - **European Collaboration**: The satellite represents a collaborative effort between the European Space Agency, GMV Innovating Solutions, and OHB SE, showcasing international cooperation in space technology development. - **Innovative Launch**: Launched aboard Rocket Lab's Electron rocket, Celeste IOD-1 demonstrates the growing use of small launch vehicles for deploying experimental satellites. - **Dual Mission**: As part of the "Daughter of the Stars" mission, Celeste IOD-1 was launched alongside Celeste IOD-2, highlighting the ESA's strategy of deploying multiple technology demonstration satellites in a single mission. ## Body ### Overview Celeste IOD-1 is a 12-unit CubeSat developed as part of the European Space Agency's (ESA) Celeste program. Weighing 20 kilograms, the satellite serves as a technology demonstration platform for testing experimental positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) systems in low Earth orbit. It was built by GMV Innovating Solutions and OHB SE and launched on March 28, 2026, aboard Rocket Lab's Electron rocket from Launch Complex 1A. ### Mission and Technology The primary mission of Celeste IOD-1 is to validate new PNT technologies in a real orbital environment. As a technology demonstration spacecraft, it provides critical data on how experimental systems perform under space conditions, including radiation, extreme temperatures, and microgravity. The satellite's design allows for rapid testing and iteration of PNT components, accelerating their transition from laboratory development to operational use. ### Launch and Deployment Celeste IOD-1 was launched as part of the "Daughter of the Stars" mission, which also included Celeste IOD-2. The mission utilized Rocket Lab's Electron rocket, a small-lift launch vehicle, to deploy the satellites into low Earth orbit. The launch occurred at 09:14 UTC on March 28, 2026, marking a significant milestone in the use of small launch vehicles for deploying experimental satellites. ### Collaboration and Development The development of Celeste IOD-1 involved collaboration between the ESA, GMV Innovating Solutions, and OHB SE. GMV Innovating Solutions was responsible for the satellite's design and integration, while OHB SE contributed to the manufacturing and assembly. This partnership reflects the growing trend of international cooperation in space technology development, where multiple entities work together to advance experimental space missions. ### Significance and Impact Celeste IOD-1 is notable for being one of the first CubeSats dedicated to testing PNT technologies in orbit. Its success will contribute to the advancement of space-based navigation and timing services, which are essential for satellite communications, scientific research, and global positioning systems. By providing empirical data on the performance of experimental PNT systems, Celeste IOD-1 helps reduce the risk of failure in critical space missions and accelerates the development of more reliable and efficient space technologies. ## References 1. [Source](https://www.esa.int/Applications/Satellite_navigation/Celeste) 2. [Celeste IOD - Facts and figures](https://www.esa.int/Applications/Satellite_navigation/Celeste/Celeste_IOD_-_Facts_and_figures) 3. CelesTrak 4. [Source](https://rocketlabcorp.com/missions/launches/daughter-of-the-stars/) 5. [Source](https://nextspaceflight.com/launches/details/7890/)