# PicSat

> French nano-satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q39059373](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q39059373)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PicSat)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/picsat

## Summary
PicSat is a French nano-satellite launched on January 12, 2018. As a CubeSat, it belongs to a class of miniaturized satellites built from standardized 10cm-sided cubic modules.

## Key Facts
- PicSat is classified as a CubeSat, which are miniaturized satellites made up of 10cm-sided cubic modules
- It was launched on January 12, 2018
- The satellite was deployed using a Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle-XL
- PicSat has a COSPAR ID and NSSDCA ID of 2018-004W
- It is a French nano-satellite
- The satellite has a catalog number (scn) of 43132
- PicSat has 3 Wikipedia sitelinks in German, English, and French

## FAQs
### Q: What is a PicSat?
A: PicSat is a French nano-satellite that belongs to the CubeSat class of miniaturized satellites. It was launched on January 12, 2018, and built from standardized 10cm-sided cubic modules.

### Q: When and how was PicSat launched?
A: PicSat was launched on January 12, 2018, using a Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle-XL, which is a model of the Indian Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle.

### Q: What makes PicSat different from other satellites?
A: As a CubeSat, PicSat belongs to a class of standardized miniaturized satellites, distinguishing it from larger, custom-built satellites. It was developed as part of France's nano-satellite program.

## Why It Matters
PicSat represents France's contribution to the growing field of CubeSat technology, which has revolutionized space exploration by making satellite missions more affordable and accessible. As a nano-satellite, it demonstrates the viability of smaller spacecraft for scientific research and technology demonstration. The CubeSat standard, which PicSat follows, has democratized access to space for universities, research institutions, and even private entities that could previously not afford traditional satellite missions. PicSat's launch on January 12, 2018, aboard an Indian Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle also highlights international collaboration in space exploration.

## Notable For
- Being part of the standardized CubeSat class of miniaturized satellites using 10cm-sided cubic modules
- Launching on January 12, 2018, aboard a Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle-XL
- Having international presence with Wikipedia articles in German, English, and French
- Being cataloged with the identifier 43132 in satellite databases

## Body
### Overview
PicSat is a French nano-satellite that exemplifies the CubeSat standard of miniaturized spacecraft. The CubeSat class consists of satellites built from standardized 10cm-sided cubic modules, allowing for modular construction and deployment.

### Launch and Deployment
PicSat was launched on January 12, 2018, aboard a Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle-XL, which is a model of the Indian Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle. This launch vehicle is capable of deploying multiple satellites into orbit simultaneously.

### Technical Classification
- Instance of: CubeSat
- Country of origin: France
- Catalog number (scn): 43132

### Identification and Cataloging
PicSat is cataloged with the identifier 43132 in various satellite databases. It has been assigned both the COSPAR ID and NSSDCA ID of 2018-004W, which are standardized identifiers used by the international space community to track space objects.

### Digital Presence and Documentation
The satellite has a notable digital presence with articles in three languages on Wikipedia: German, English, and French. These articles have collectively accumulated 3 sitelinks, indicating the level of documentation and interest in the mission. An image of PicSat is available on Wikimedia Commons.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report