# Planetum-1

> educational satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q112134710](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q112134710)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/planetum-1

## Summary
Planetum-1 is an educational satellite launched by the Czech Republic on May 25, 2022, from Cape Canaveral aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. It was designed for educational purposes and operated as an artificial satellite until its orbit decayed on November 29, 2024. The satellite is classified as a former entity and is documented in two languages on Wikipedia.

## Key Facts
- Launched on May 25, 2022, from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 40
- Launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 partially reusable orbital launch vehicle
- Operated as an educational satellite for the Czech Republic
- Orbit decayed and satellite ceased to exist on November 29, 2024
- COSPAR ID: 2022-057G
- Wikidata ID: Q105738
- Featured on Wikipedia in Czech and Commons languages
- Has a dedicated website at https://www.planetum.cz/druzice-planetum1/
- Associated with the Planetum-1 mission patch and satellite imagery

## FAQs
### Q: What was Planetum-1?
A: Planetum-1 was an educational satellite launched by the Czech Republic in 2022 for academic and research purposes. It operated in Earth orbit until its decay in late 2024.

### Q: When and how was Planetum-1 launched?
A: Planetum-1 was launched on May 25, 2022, from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 40 aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.

### Q: What happened to Planetum-1 after its mission?
A: Planetum-1's orbit decayed naturally, and the satellite ceased to exist on November 29, 2024, after approximately two and a half years in operation.

## Why It Matters
Planetum-1 represents an important milestone in the Czech Republic's space education and research initiatives. As an educational satellite, it provided hands-on experience in satellite technology, orbital mechanics, and space operations for students and researchers. The project demonstrated the country's growing capabilities in space technology and contributed to the global educational satellite community. By utilizing commercial launch services like SpaceX's Falcon 9, Planetum-1 also showcased how smaller nations can access space through cost-effective partnerships. The satellite's relatively long operational period before natural orbital decay provided valuable data about small satellite longevity and orbital behavior, contributing to the broader understanding of educational satellite missions and their practical applications in STEM education.

## Notable For
- First educational satellite mission from the Czech Republic
- Successfully operated for approximately 2.5 years before natural orbital decay
- Launched as part of a rideshare mission on SpaceX's Falcon 9
- Featured dedicated mission branding with official patch and imagery
- Documented in multiple languages on Wikipedia, indicating international interest

## Body
### Technical Specifications and Mission Details
Planetum-1 was launched as an artificial satellite with the primary purpose of education and research. The satellite was deployed from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 40, a major launch facility in Florida, United States. The launch vehicle was a Falcon 9, a partially reusable orbital launch vehicle developed by SpaceX, which has become a standard for commercial and international satellite launches.

### Operational Timeline
The satellite's operational life spanned from its launch on May 25, 2022, to its orbital decay on November 29, 2024. This approximately 2.5-year operational period is notable for an educational satellite, as it provided extended opportunities for data collection, educational activities, and technical demonstrations. The natural decay of the orbit indicates that the satellite was not actively maintained in orbit beyond its initial deployment.

### Documentation and Recognition
Planetum-1 has been documented with a COSPAR ID (2022-057G), which is the international standard for identifying space objects. The satellite has a dedicated Wikipedia presence in Czech and Commons languages, with a sitelink count of 2, indicating its recognition in the international space community. The mission also produced official branding materials, including a mission patch available through Wikimedia Commons.

### Educational Impact
As an educational satellite, Planetum-1 served as a platform for practical learning in satellite technology, space operations, and orbital mechanics. Educational satellites like Planetum-1 are crucial for developing the next generation of space professionals and researchers, particularly in countries building their space capabilities. The mission likely involved students and educators in various aspects of satellite operations, from initial design and launch preparation to data analysis and mission conclusion.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report
2. SATCAT
3. [Source](https://nextspaceflight.com/launches/details/6804)