# PW-Sat

> Satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q856632](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q856632)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PW-Sat)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/pw-sat

## Summary  
PW-Sat is Poland's first artificial satellite, designed as a CubeSat by students at Warsaw University of Technology. Launched in 2012 aboard a Vega rocket, it orbited Earth until its atmospheric reentry in 2014. The mission demonstrated Poland's entry into space technology and CubeSat development.

## Key Facts  
- **First Polish satellite**: PW-Sat was Poland's inaugural artificial satellite.  
- **Launch date**: February 13, 2012, from Ensemble de Lancement Vega.  
- **CubeSat design**: A miniaturized satellite built using 10cm-sided cubic modules.  
- **Manufacturer**: Developed by Warsaw University of Technology.  
- **Operator**: Operated by the Polish Academy of Sciences.  
- **COSPAR ID**: 2012-006G, identifying it in space mission catalogs.  
- **Mission duration**: Orbited Earth until atmospheric reentry on October 28, 2014.  
- **Launch vehicle**: Carried into space by the European Vega rocket.  

## FAQs  
### Q: What was the purpose of PW-Sat?  
A: PW-Sat aimed to test a deployable drag sail for accelerating satellite deorbiting, demonstrating Poland's capability in space technology.  

### Q: Who built PW-Sat?  
A: It was developed by students and researchers at Warsaw University of Technology, marking Poland's first satellite project.  

### Q: How long did PW-Sat remain in orbit?  
A: It orbited Earth for over two years before reentering the atmosphere on October 28, 2014.  

## Why It Matters  
PW-Sat represented Poland's debut in space exploration, showcasing the country's ability to develop and launch satellite technology. As a CubeSat, it contributed to the growing field of small, cost-effective satellites, which are increasingly important for scientific and educational missions. The project also tested innovative deorbiting technology, addressing the critical issue of space debris. By involving students, PW-Sat fostered hands-on experience in aerospace engineering, inspiring future generations of Polish scientists and engineers.  

## Notable For  
- **First Polish satellite**: Pioneered Poland's participation in space missions.  
- **Educational impact**: Built by students, providing practical aerospace training.  
- **Deorbiting experiment**: Tested a drag sail to reduce space debris.  

## Body  
### Development and Design  
- **Manufacturer**: Warsaw University of Technology (founded 1899).  
- **CubeSat standard**: Conformed to the miniaturized 10cm-cube modular design.  

### Launch and Mission  
- **Launch vehicle**: Vega, a European expendable rocket.  
- **Launch site**: Ensemble de Lancement Vega.  
- **COSPAR ID**: 2012-006G, cataloged internationally.  

### Operational Life  
- **Orbital decay**: Reentered Earth's atmosphere on October 28, 2014.  
- **Significant events**: Included rocket launch (2012) and atmospheric entry (2014).  

### Legacy  
- **Inspiration**: Paved the way for subsequent Polish satellite projects.  
- **Technical contribution**: Demonstrated CubeSat viability for educational and experimental missions.

## References

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