# Space Research Centre, Polish Academy of Sciences

> scientific and research institute of the Polish Academy of Sciences

**Wikidata**: [Q4115803](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q4115803)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_Research_Centre_of_Polish_Academy_of_Sciences)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/space-research-centre-polish-academy-of-sciences

## Summary
The **Space Research Centre, Polish Academy of Sciences (SRC PAS)** is a leading Polish research institute specializing in space science and satellite technology. Founded in 1976, it operates nanosatellite observatories like **BRITE-Lem** and **BRITE-Heweliusz** and conducts research in astronomy, planetary science, and space engineering.

## Key Facts
- **Founded**: September 29, 1976, as part of the Polish Academy of Sciences.
- **Headquarters**: Warsaw, Poland (coordinates: 52.2145°N, 21.067583°E), with additional locations in Wrocław and Borowiec.
- **Parent Organization**: Polish Academy of Sciences.
- **Director**: Iwona Stanisławska (as of available data).
- **Operates**: Two Polish nanosatellite observatories—**BRITE-Lem** and **BRITE-Heweliusz**.
- **Classified as**: Research institute and astronomical observatory.
- **International Identifiers**:
  - **ISNI**: 000000012109661X
  - **ROR ID**: 03zm2br59
  - **GRID ID**: grid.423929.7
- **Website**: [English](http://www.cbk.waw.pl/en/) | [Polish](http://www.cbk.waw.pl/)

## FAQs
### Q: What does the Space Research Centre, Polish Academy of Sciences do?
A: It conducts scientific research in space science, operates nanosatellites (BRITE-Lem and BRITE-Heweliusz), and develops space technologies, including planetary exploration and astronomical observations.

### Q: When was the Space Research Centre founded?
A: It was established on **September 29, 1976**, as part of the Polish Academy of Sciences.

### Q: Where is the Space Research Centre located?
A: Its headquarters are in **Warsaw, Poland**, with additional facilities in **Wrocław** and **Borowiec**.

### Q: What satellites does the Space Research Centre operate?
A: It owns and operates **BRITE-Lem** and **BRITE-Heweliusz**, two Polish nanosatellite observatories designed for astronomical research.

### Q: Is the Space Research Centre the same as the Polish Space Agency?
A: No, it is a separate research institute under the Polish Academy of Sciences, distinct from the **Polish Space Agency** (a government agency).

## Why It Matters
The Space Research Centre, Polish Academy of Sciences plays a crucial role in advancing Poland’s contributions to global space science. As a pioneer in Polish space research, it bridges theoretical astronomy and practical engineering, enabling breakthroughs in satellite technology and planetary studies. Its nanosatellites, **BRITE-Lem** and **BRITE-Heweliusz**, contribute to international astronomical observations, particularly in stellar photometry. By fostering collaboration between academia and industry, the SRC PAS helps position Poland as a competitive player in the European space sector. Additionally, its research supports broader scientific goals, such as understanding solar system dynamics and developing sustainable space technologies.

## Notable For
- **First Polish nanosatellites**: Operates **BRITE-Lem** and **BRITE-Heweliusz**, part of the international BRITE constellation for stellar research.
- **Multidisciplinary research**: Combines astronomy, planetary science, and space engineering under one institute.
- **Long-standing institution**: Over **45 years** of continuous space research since its founding in 1976.
- **Strategic locations**: Maintains facilities in **Warsaw, Wrocław, and Borowiec**, supporting diverse research projects.
- **International recognition**: Affiliated with global identifiers (ISNI, ROR, GRID) and collaborates with international space agencies.

## Body
### Overview and Mission
The **Space Research Centre, Polish Academy of Sciences (SRC PAS)** is a **research institute** specializing in space science, satellite technology, and astronomical observations. It operates under the **Polish Academy of Sciences** and focuses on both fundamental research and applied space engineering.

### History and Founding
- Established on **September 29, 1976**, as a dedicated center for space research in Poland.
- Initially focused on theoretical and experimental studies in **astronomy, planetary science, and space physics**.
- Expanded its scope to include **satellite development and operations** in later decades.

### Key Facilities and Locations
- **Headquarters**: Warsaw (52.2145°N, 21.067583°E).
- **Additional sites**:
  - **Wrocław**: Hosts research groups in space physics and engineering.
  - **Borowiec**: Home to the **Borowiec Geodetic Observatory**, supporting satellite tracking and geodetic studies.

### Satellite Operations
The SRC PAS owns and operates two **nanosatellite observatories**:
1. **BRITE-Lem** (Poland’s first scientific nanosatellite, launched in 2013).
2. **BRITE-Heweliusz** (launched in 2014, named after astronomer Johannes Hevelius).
   - Both are part of the **BRITE (BRIght Target Explorer) constellation**, an international project studying the brightest stars in the sky.

### Research Areas
- **Astronomy and Astrophysics**: Stellar photometry, exoplanet research.
- **Planetary Science**: Studies of the Solar System, including Mars and the Moon.
- **Space Engineering**: Development of satellite technologies and instrumentation.
- **Geodesy and Remote Sensing**: Earth observation and geodetic measurements.

### Leadership and Organization
- **Director**: Iwona Stanisławska (as of available data).
- **Parent Organization**: Polish Academy of Sciences (PAN).
- **Affiliations**: Collaborates with **ESA (European Space Agency)**, NASA, and other international space research entities.

### Identifiers and References
- **ISNI**: 000000012109661X
- **ROR ID**: 03zm2br59
- **GRID ID**: grid.423929.7
- **VIAF ID**: 129498928
- **Library of Congress Authority ID**: n91100779

## Schema Markup
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  "description": "A Polish research institute specializing in space science, satellite technology, and astronomical observations, founded in 1976.",
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## References

1. GRID Release 2017-01-10
2. Virtual International Authority File
3. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
4. GRID Release 2015-12-14
5. GRID Release 2016-12-06
6. Microsoft Academic Knowledge Graph
7. [OpenAlex](https://docs.openalex.org/download-snapshot/snapshot-data-format)