# OPTOS

> technology demonstration satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q6047772](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q6047772)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OPTOS)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/optos

## Summary
OPTOS is a Spanish technology demonstration satellite launched in 2013, designed to test experimental technologies in space. It is a CubeSat with a mass of 3.8 kilograms and dimensions of 10 cm × 10 cm × 34.5 cm, operated by the Instituto Nacional de Técnica Aeroespacial Esteban Terradas.

## Key Facts
- **Type**: Technology demonstration spacecraft and CubeSat
- **Mass**: 3.8 kilograms
- **Dimensions**: 10 cm × 10 cm × 34.5 cm
- **Operator**: Instituto Nacional de Técnica Aeroespacial Esteban Terradas
- **Launch Date**: November 21, 2013, at 07:10:17 UTC
- **Launch Vehicle**: Dnepr rocket
- **Orbit**: Sun-synchronous orbit with an orbital period of 98 minutes
- **Power Output**: 7.2 watts
- **Country of Origin**: Spain
- **Launch Site**: Dombarovsky, Russia

## FAQs
### Q: What was OPTOS used for?
A: OPTOS was a technology demonstration satellite designed to test experimental technologies in space. It was operated by Spain's Instituto Nacional de Técnica Aeroespacial Esteban Terradas.

### Q: How big was OPTOS?
A: OPTOS had dimensions of 10 cm × 10 cm × 34.5 cm, making it a small CubeSat satellite.

### Q: When was OPTOS launched?
A: OPTOS was launched on November 21, 2013, at 07:10:17 UTC from Dombarovsky, Russia, aboard a Dnepr rocket.

### Q: What type of orbit did OPTOS use?
A: OPTOS operated in a sun-synchronous orbit with an orbital period of 98 minutes.

### Q: Who operated OPTOS?
A: OPTOS was operated by the Instituto Nacional de Técnica Aeroespacial Esteban Terradas, Spain's national aerospace research center.

## Why It Matters
OPTOS played a crucial role in advancing Spain's capabilities in space technology. As a technology demonstration satellite, it provided a platform for testing experimental technologies in orbit, contributing to the development of future space missions. Its successful deployment and operation demonstrated the effectiveness of CubeSat technology for scientific and technological research. OPTOS also highlighted Spain's growing presence in the global space sector, showcasing its ability to design, build, and operate small satellites for experimental purposes.

## Notable For
- **First Spanish Technology Demonstration Satellite**: OPTOS was one of the first satellites developed by Spain to demonstrate experimental technologies in space.
- **CubeSat Design**: Its compact size and modular design made it a cost-effective platform for testing new technologies.
- **Sun-Synchronous Orbit**: OPTOS operated in a sun-synchronous orbit, allowing for consistent lighting conditions and optimal data collection.
- **Experimental Payload**: The satellite was designed to carry and test experimental payloads, contributing to advancements in space-based research.
- **National Aerospace Contribution**: OPTOS represented a significant step forward for Spain's Instituto Nacional de Técnica Aeroespacial Esteban Terradas in space technology development.

## Body
### Overview
OPTOS was a Spanish technology demonstration satellite launched in 2013. It was developed by the Instituto Nacional de Técnica Aeroespacial Esteban Terradas (INTA) to test experimental technologies in space. The satellite was part of Spain's efforts to expand its capabilities in the space sector.

### Design and Specifications
OPTOS was a CubeSat with dimensions of 10 cm × 10 cm × 34.5 cm and a mass of 3.8 kilograms. It had a nominal power output of 7.2 watts, which was sufficient for its experimental payloads. The satellite was designed to operate in a sun-synchronous orbit, providing consistent lighting conditions for its experiments.

### Launch and Orbit
OPTOS was launched on November 21, 2013, at 07:10:17 UTC from Dombarovsky, Russia, aboard a Dnepr rocket. The satellite was placed in a sun-synchronous orbit with an orbital period of 98 minutes. This orbit allowed for optimal data collection and testing of its experimental technologies.

### Mission and Technology
As a technology demonstration satellite, OPTOS was designed to carry and test experimental payloads. These experiments contributed to advancements in space-based research and technology development. The satellite's compact size and modular design made it a cost-effective platform for testing new technologies.

### Significance
OPTOS was significant for several reasons. It demonstrated the effectiveness of CubeSat technology for scientific and technological research. The satellite also highlighted Spain's growing presence in the global space sector, showcasing its ability to design, build, and operate small satellites for experimental purposes. OPTOS represented a step forward for INTA in space technology development and contributed to the advancement of Spain's space capabilities.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report
2. [Source](https://directory.eoportal.org/web/eoportal/satellite-missions/o/optos)