# Enxaneta

> nanosatellite of the Generalitat de Catalunya

**Wikidata**: [Q106073481](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q106073481)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/enxaneta

## Summary
Enxaneta is a nanosatellite developed by the Generalitat de Catalunya, launched in 2021 to demonstrate experimental technologies in space. It is a 3-unit CubeSat operated by the Institute of Space Studies of Catalonia and was the first satellite of its kind for the region.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: March 22, 2021, at 06:07:12 UTC from Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 31.
- **Operator**: Institute of Space Studies of Catalonia (founded in 1996) and Sateliot.
- **Manufacturer**: Open Cosmos.
- **Mass**: 10 kilograms.
- **Orbit**: Sun-synchronous orbit with an orbital period of 95.6 minutes.
- **Mission Duration**: Entered Earth's atmosphere on July 25, 2024, due to orbital decay.
- **Classification**: Technology demonstration spacecraft and CubeSat (3 units).
- **Launch Vehicle**: Soyuz-2.1a rocket with a Fregat space tug.

## FAQs
### Q: What is Enxaneta?
A: Enxaneta is a nanosatellite launched by the Generalitat de Catalunya in 2021 to test new space technologies. It is a 3-unit CubeSat and was the first satellite of its kind for Catalonia.

### Q: Who operates Enxaneta?
A: The satellite is operated by the Institute of Space Studies of Catalonia and the company Sateliot.

### Q: When was Enxaneta launched?
A: Enxaneta was launched on March 22, 2021, from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.

### Q: What happened to Enxaneta?
A: Enxaneta re-entered Earth's atmosphere on July 25, 2024, due to orbital decay, ending its mission.

### Q: What type of satellite is Enxaneta?
A: Enxaneta is a technology demonstration spacecraft and a CubeSat, specifically a 3-unit CubeSat.

## Why It Matters
Enxaneta represents a significant milestone for Catalonia's space ambitions, marking the region's first foray into satellite technology. As a technology demonstration spacecraft, it played a crucial role in testing and validating new technologies in space, which can pave the way for future advancements in satellite communication, Earth observation, and other space-based applications. The satellite's mission also highlights the growing role of regional governments and smaller entities in space exploration, demonstrating that space technology is becoming more accessible and decentralized. By successfully operating Enxaneta, Catalonia has positioned itself as a player in the global space industry, fostering innovation and potentially inspiring other regions to pursue similar initiatives.

## Notable For
- **First Catalan Satellite**: Enxaneta is the first nanosatellite developed and launched by the Generalitat de Catalunya.
- **Technology Demonstration**: It served as a platform for testing experimental technologies in space.
- **CubeSat Design**: Enxaneta is a 3-unit CubeSat, showcasing the capabilities of miniaturized satellites.
- **Short Mission Duration**: The satellite operated for approximately three years before re-entering Earth's atmosphere.
- **Collaborative Effort**: The project involved collaboration between the Institute of Space Studies of Catalonia, Sateliot, and Open Cosmos.

## Body
### Overview
Enxaneta is a nanosatellite developed by the Generalitat de Catalunya, launched on March 22, 2021. It is classified as a technology demonstration spacecraft and a CubeSat, specifically a 3-unit CubeSat. The satellite was designed to test and validate new technologies in space.

### Launch and Orbit
Enxaneta was launched from Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 31 using a Soyuz-2.1a rocket with a Fregat space tug. The launch occurred at 06:07:12 UTC. The satellite was placed in a Sun-synchronous orbit with an orbital period of 95.6 minutes. The apoapsis (highest point) of its orbit was 571.6 kilometers, and the periapsis (lowest point) was 541.6 kilometers. The orbital inclination was 97.6 degrees, and the orbital eccentricity was 0.026949.

### Specifications
- **Mass**: 10 kilograms.
- **Volume**: 3 CubeSat units.
- **Orbital Period**: 95.6 minutes.
- **Semi-Major Axis**: 6927 kilometers.

### Operators and Manufacturers
Enxaneta was operated by the Institute of Space Studies of Catalonia, a research institute founded in 1996, and Sateliot. The satellite was manufactured by Open Cosmos, a company specializing in small satellite solutions.

### Mission and Decommissioning
Enxaneta's mission was to demonstrate experimental technologies in space. The satellite successfully operated for approximately three years before re-entering Earth's atmosphere on July 25, 2024, due to orbital decay.

### Significance
Enxaneta is notable for being the first nanosatellite developed and launched by the Generalitat de Catalunya. It represents a significant achievement for the region's space ambitions and highlights the growing role of regional governments in space exploration. The satellite's mission contributed to the advancement of space technology and demonstrated the capabilities of miniaturized satellites.

## Schema Markup
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  "@type": "Thing",
  "name": "Enxaneta",
  "description": "Nanosatellite of the Generalitat de Catalunya",
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  "additionalType": "Technology demonstration spacecraft"
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## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/3b5gsat.htm)
2. SATCAT
3. Jonathan's Space Report
4. [Source](https://www.n2yo.com/satellite/?s=47961)
5. [Source](https://www.vilaweb.cat/noticies/video-nanosatelit-enxaneta-catalunya/)