# LEDsat
**Wikidata**: [Q110613557](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q110613557)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/ledsat

## Summary
LEDsat is a CubeSat developed by Sapienza University of Rome and sponsored by the Italian Space Agency. Launched on August 17, 2021, from the Guiana Space Centre aboard a Vega rocket, it is an amateur radio satellite designed to operate in low Earth orbit.

## Key Facts
- **Type**: CubeSat and amateur radio satellite
- **Mass**: 1 kilogram
- **Country of Origin**: Italy
- **Sponsor**: Italian Space Agency
- **Operator**: Sapienza University of Rome
- **Designed By**: Sapienza University of Rome
- **Launch Date**: August 17, 2021
- **Launch Vehicle**: Vega
- **Launch Site**: Guiana Space Centre
- **Orbital Period**: 95.4 minutes
- **Orbital Inclination**: 97.5 degrees
- **Apoapsis**: 561.6 kilometers
- **Periapsis**: 523.8 kilometers
- **Parent Astronomical Body**: Earth

## FAQs
### Q: What is the purpose of LEDsat?
A: LEDsat is an amateur radio satellite designed to operate in low Earth orbit, facilitating communication and experimentation for radio enthusiasts.

### Q: Who developed LEDsat?
A: LEDsat was developed by Sapienza University of Rome and sponsored by the Italian Space Agency.

### Q: How was LEDsat launched?
A: LEDsat was launched on August 17, 2021, from the Guiana Space Centre aboard a Vega rocket.

### Q: What is the orbital period of LEDsat?
A: LEDsat has an orbital period of 95.4 minutes, meaning it completes an orbit around Earth approximately every 95.4 minutes.

### Q: What is the orbital inclination of LEDsat?
A: LEDsat has an orbital inclination of 97.5 degrees, indicating its path relative to the Earth's equator.

## Why It Matters
LEDsat represents a significant contribution to the field of amateur radio satellites, providing a platform for radio experimentation and communication. As a CubeSat, it demonstrates the capabilities of miniaturized satellites in supporting scientific and educational initiatives. Its successful deployment and operation contribute to the broader goals of advancing satellite technology and fostering collaboration between academic institutions and space agencies.

## Notable For
- **First of its kind**: One of the first CubeSats developed by Sapienza University of Rome.
- **Amateur radio focus**: Designed specifically for amateur radio operations in space.
- **Low Earth Orbit**: Operates in a low Earth orbit, typical for CubeSats.
- **Italian collaboration**: Sponsored by the Italian Space Agency, highlighting Italy's role in space exploration.
- **Educational platform**: Serves as an educational tool for radio enthusiasts and students.

## Body
### Overview
LEDsat is a CubeSat developed by Sapienza University of Rome, sponsored by the Italian Space Agency. It was launched on August 17, 2021, from the Guiana Space Centre aboard a Vega rocket. The satellite is classified as both a CubeSat and an amateur radio satellite, with a mass of 1 kilogram.

### Orbit and Operation
LEDsat operates in low Earth orbit with an orbital period of 95.4 minutes. Its orbital inclination is 97.5 degrees, and it has an apoapsis of 561.6 kilometers and a periapsis of 523.8 kilometers. The satellite is designed to facilitate amateur radio communication and experimentation.

### Development and Launch
The satellite was designed and operated by Sapienza University of Rome. It was launched as part of a broader initiative supported by the Italian Space Agency. The Vega rocket was used for the launch, which took place from the Guiana Space Centre.

### Significance
LEDsat contributes to the field of amateur radio satellites by providing a platform for radio experimentation and communication. Its development and operation highlight the capabilities of miniaturized satellites in supporting scientific and educational initiatives. The satellite's successful deployment underscores the collaborative efforts between academic institutions and space agencies in advancing satellite technology.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report
2. [Source](https://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/spacecraft/display.action?id=2021-073D)
3. [Source](https://www.n2yo.com/satellite/?s=49069)