# ESTCube-1

> Estonian nanosatellite

**Wikidata**: [Q3200445](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q3200445)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ESTCube-1)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/estcube-1

## Summary  
ESTCube-1 is an Estonian nanosatellite launched in 2013 as a technology demonstration mission. It was developed by the University of Tartu and represents Estonia's first satellite project.

## Key Facts  
- Launched on May 7, 2013, at 02:06:31 UTC aboard a Vega VV02 rocket from Ensemble de Lancement Vega.  
- Mass: 1 kilogram; volume: 1 CubeSat unit (10 cm³).  
- Classified as a CubeSat, nanosatellite, Earth observation satellite, and technology demonstration spacecraft.  
- Developed and operated by the University of Tartu, Estonia.  
- Powered by solar cells.  
- COSPAR ID: 2013-021C; NSSDCA ID: 2013-021C.  
- Estimated orbital decay: 2038.  
- Official websites: [Estonian](https://www.estcube.eu/projekt/ESTCube-1), [English](https://www.estcube.eu/project/ESTCube-1).  

## FAQs  
### Q: What is ESTCube-1?  
A: ESTCube-1 is Estonia’s first nanosatellite, built to demonstrate new space technologies. It was launched in 2013 and is operated by the University of Tartu.

### Q: What was the purpose of ESTCube-1?  
A: The satellite served as a technology demonstration platform, testing innovations such as an electric solar wind sail and other miniaturized systems for future missions.

### Q: How long will ESTCube-1 remain in orbit?  
A: The satellite is expected to remain in orbit until approximately 2038, when it will decay and re-enter Earth's atmosphere.

## Why It Matters  
ESTCube-1 marked a historic milestone for Estonia as the nation’s first satellite, symbolizing its emergence in the global space sector. Developed primarily by students and researchers from the University of Tartu, it demonstrated Estonia’s capability to contribute to space exploration through cost-effective, small-scale missions. As part of the broader ESTCube program, it laid the groundwork for future national satellite projects and inspired educational outreach in science and engineering. Its success also validated the utility of CubeSats for conducting meaningful scientific experiments in low Earth orbit.

## Notable For  
- First satellite ever launched by Estonia.  
- Built largely by student engineers at the University of Tartu.  
- Demonstrated experimental propulsion concepts including the electric solar wind sail.  
- Represents Estonia’s entry into the international CubeSat community.  
- Designed with a 1U CubeSat form factor, making it among the smallest satellites ever flown.

## Body  
### Mission Overview  
ESTCube-1 was launched on May 7, 2013, as part of the European Vega VV02 flight. It was placed into a Sun-synchronous orbit to carry out its primary objectives as a technology demonstrator.

### Development and Operation  
The satellite was developed under the ESTCube program led by the University of Tartu. The project involved collaboration between academia, industry, and government agencies within Estonia, emphasizing hands-on education and innovation.

### Technical Specifications  
- **Mass**: 1 kg  
- **Volume**: 1 CubeSat Unit (10×10×10 cm)  
- **Power Source**: Solar cells  
- **Launch Vehicle**: Vega (VV02)  
- **COSPAR ID**: 2013-021C  

### Objectives  
Primary goals included demonstrating the feasibility of an electric solar wind sail and advancing domestic capabilities in satellite design, integration, and operation.

### Orbit and Lifetime  
Launched into low Earth orbit, ESTCube-1 has an estimated operational lifetime extending to around 2038 before atmospheric re-entry occurs.

### Legacy  
The mission paved the way for follow-up projects like ESTCube-2 and contributed significantly to Estonia’s growing presence in space research and education.

## Schema Markup  
```json
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Thing",
  "name": "ESTCube-1",
  "description": "Estonian nanosatellite launched in 2013 as a technology demonstration mission.",
  "url": "https://www.estcube.eu/project/ESTCube-1",
  "sameAs": [
    "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ESTCube-1",
    "https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1362599"
  ],
  "additionalType": "CubeSat"
}

## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/estcube-1.htm)
2. Jonathan's Space Report
3. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013