# DeorbitSail-1

> satellite testing deorbit technology

**Wikidata**: [Q21043543](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q21043543)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/deorbitsail-1

## Summary
DeorbitSail-1 is a CubeSat designed to test deorbit technology, launched on July 10, 2015, by the European Union. It is a 10cm × 10cm × 34cm technology demonstration spacecraft developed to evaluate experimental deorbiting methods for satellites.

## Key Facts
- **Class**: Technology demonstration spacecraft and CubeSat
- **Dimensions**: 10 cm × 10 cm × 34 cm
- **Launch Date**: July 10, 2015, at 16:28 UTC
- **Launch Vehicle**: Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle-XL (PSLV-C28)
- **Launch Site**: Satish Dhawan Space Centre First Launch Pad
- **Sponsor**: European Union
- **COSPAR ID**: 2015-032E
- **NSSDCA ID**: 2015-032E
- **Aliases**: DEORBITSAIL

## FAQs
### Q: What was the purpose of DeorbitSail-1?
A: DeorbitSail-1 was a CubeSat designed to test deorbit technology, specifically evaluating experimental methods for safely deorbiting satellites.

### Q: Who launched DeorbitSail-1?
A: The European Union sponsored the launch of DeorbitSail-1, which was deployed by the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle-XL (PSLV-C28) on July 10, 2015.

### Q: What type of satellite was DeorbitSail-1?
A: DeorbitSail-1 was a CubeSat, a miniaturized satellite made up of 10cm-sided cubic modules, classified as a technology demonstration spacecraft.

### Q: Where was DeorbitSail-1 launched from?
A: DeorbitSail-1 was launched from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre First Launch Pad in India.

### Q: What are the dimensions of DeorbitSail-1?
A: DeorbitSail-1 has dimensions of 10 cm × 10 cm × 34 cm.

## Why It Matters
DeorbitSail-1 played a crucial role in advancing satellite deorbiting technologies, which are essential for mitigating space debris and ensuring sustainable space operations. As the number of satellites in orbit increases, efficient deorbiting methods become increasingly important to prevent collisions and maintain orbital safety. By demonstrating experimental deorbiting techniques, DeorbitSail-1 contributed to the development of more effective and environmentally friendly satellite disposal methods. Its successful deployment and testing provided valuable data for future space missions, helping to address the growing challenge of space debris in Earth's orbit.

## Notable For
- **First of its kind**: DeorbitSail-1 was one of the first CubeSats specifically designed to test deorbit technology, marking a significant step in satellite disposal innovation.
- **European Union sponsorship**: The mission was sponsored by the European Union, highlighting international collaboration in space debris mitigation efforts.
- **CubeSat technology**: As a CubeSat, DeorbitSail-1 leveraged miniaturized satellite technology to conduct its mission efficiently and cost-effectively.
- **PSLV-XL launch**: The deployment aboard the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle-XL (PSLV-C28) demonstrated the versatility of this launch vehicle for small satellite missions.

## Body
### Overview
DeorbitSail-1 was a CubeSat developed to test deorbit technology, launched on July 10, 2015, by the European Union. It was part of a broader effort to address the growing issue of space debris in Earth's orbit.

### Design and Specifications
DeorbitSail-1 had dimensions of 10 cm × 10 cm × 34 cm, typical for a CubeSat. It was classified as both a technology demonstration spacecraft and a CubeSat, reflecting its role in testing experimental deorbiting methods.

### Launch Details
The satellite was launched aboard the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle-XL (PSLV-C28) from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre First Launch Pad. The launch occurred at 16:28 UTC on July 10, 2015, marking a significant milestone in the mission's deployment.

### Significance
DeorbitSail-1's mission was notable for its focus on deorbit technology, which is critical for sustainable space operations. By demonstrating effective deorbiting methods, the mission contributed to the development of more environmentally friendly satellite disposal techniques.

### Legacy
As one of the first CubeSats dedicated to deorbit technology, DeorbitSail-1 set a precedent for future small satellite missions aimed at addressing space debris challenges. Its successful testing provided valuable insights for future space missions.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report
2. [Source](https://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/spacecraft/display.action?id=2015-032E)