# PROITERES
**Wikidata**: [Q3453219](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q3453219)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PROITERES)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/proiteres

## Summary
PROITERES (Pico-Satellite for Remote Sensing of Space Environment) is a Japanese microsatellite launched in 2012 to conduct Earth observation and technology demonstration missions. It was deployed using India's Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) and operated until its mission conclusion in 2013. The satellite focused on monitoring space weather and testing compact satellite technologies.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: September 9, 2012  
- **Launch Vehicle**: Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C21)  
- **Launch Site**: Satish Dhawan Space Centre First Launch Pad, India  
- **COSPAR ID**: 2012-047B  
- **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN)**: 38756  
- **Operator**: Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and Tokushima University  
- **Mission Type**: Earth observation, space environment monitoring, and technology demonstration  
- **Mission End**: 2013 (after completing primary objectives)  

## FAQs
### Q: When was PROITERES launched?
A: PROITERES was launched on September 9, 2012, aboard the PSLV-C21 rocket from India's Satish Dhawan Space Centre.

### Q: What was the purpose of PROITERES?
A: The satellite aimed to study space weather, test compact satellite technologies, and provide Earth observation data, with contributions from Japanese university students.

### Q: How long did PROITERES operate?
A: The mission concluded in 2013 after achieving its primary goals, though the satellite's exact operational lifespan is not specified in available data.

## Why It Matters
PROITERES played a role in advancing Japan's small satellite technology and international collaboration in space research. As a joint project between JAXA and Tokushima University, it provided hands-on experience for students in spacecraft development. The mission contributed to understanding space environment dynamics and demonstrated the feasibility of low-cost, compact satellites for scientific research. While its operational period was relatively short, it highlighted the potential of collaborative, educational space projects and reinforced India's role as a reliable launch service provider through the PSLV.

## Notable For
- **Microsatellite Design**: Weighing approximately 50 kg, it showcased efficient use of limited resources for space research.  
- **Student Involvement**: Tokushima University students participated in its development, emphasizing educational outreach.  
- **International Launch Partnership**: Launched by India's PSLV, illustrating cross-national cooperation in space missions.  
- **Short-Lived Mission**: Completed objectives by 2013, reflecting focused, goal-oriented satellite projects.  

## Body
### Mission Overview
PROITERES was a 50 kg microsatellite developed by JAXA in collaboration with Tokushima University. Its primary mission was to monitor space weather, observe Earth's plasma environment, and test miniaturized satellite technologies. The satellite carried instruments to measure electron density and magnetic fields in low Earth orbit.

### Technical Details
- **Instruments**: Plasma sensors, magnetometers, and cameras for Earth imaging.  
- **Power**: Equipped with solar panels and batteries for operations in orbit.  
- **Communication**: Transmitted data to ground stations in Japan for analysis.  

### Launch and Operations
- **Launch Vehicle**: Deployed as a secondary payload on the PSLV-C21 rocket, which also carried Japan's SPCRITSAT and France's SPOT-6 satellite.  
- **Orbit**: Placed into a sun-synchronous orbit at approximately 620 km altitude.  
- **Anomaly**: Experienced communication interruptions shortly after launch but achieved key scientific objectives before mission termination in 2013.  

### Legacy
PROITERES contributed to Japan's efforts to develop cost-effective, student-involved space projects. Though operational for a brief period, it provided valuable data on space environment interactions and served as a testbed for technologies later used in subsequent missions. The collaboration with ISRO underscored the growing role of international partnerships in accessing affordable launch opportunities.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013