# Światowid

> first Polish commercial nanosatellite

**Wikidata**: [Q59420904](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q59420904)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/swiatowid

## Summary
Światowid is the first Polish commercial nanosatellite. It is classified as a CubeSat, a type of miniaturized satellite composed of standardized 10 cm cubic modules. The spacecraft was successfully launched on April 17, 2019, aboard an Antares rocket.

## Key Facts
- **Type:** First Polish commercial nanosatellite.
- **Class:** Instance of **CubeSat**; a miniaturized satellite format made up of 10cm-sided cubic modules.
- **Launch Date:** April 17, 2019.
- **Launch Vehicle:** Antares (produced by Northrop Grumman from the United States).
- **COSPAR ID:** 1998-067QL.
- **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN):** 44426.
- **Wikipedia Languages:** Available in Latvian (lv) and Polish (pl).

## FAQs
### Q: What distinguishes Światowid from other satellites?
A: Światowid is specifically recognized as the first commercial nanosatellite from Poland. While it functions like other satellites, its designation marks a milestone in the commercialization of Poland's space sector.

### Q: How was Światowid launched into space?
A: The satellite was launched on April 17, 2019. It was delivered to orbit using the Antares launch vehicle, a rocket produced by the US-based company Northrop Grumman.

### Q: What is the physical format of the satellite?
A: Światowid is a CubeSat, meaning it is built from miniaturized cubic modules where each side measures approximately 10 cm.

## Why It Matters
Światowid represents a critical evolution in the Polish space industry, transitioning the nation's capabilities from academic or governmental projects into the commercial sector. As the "first Polish commercial nanosatellite," it serves as a proof-of-concept for Polish companies seeking to provide space-based services and data. By utilizing the CubeSat standard (10 cm cubic modules), the entity demonstrates the ability to deploy cost-effective, miniaturized hardware that is accessible to private enterprises rather than just state agencies.

The choice of the Antares launch vehicle connects Polish space innovation with established global aerospace infrastructure provided by Northrop Grumman. The satellite's identification via specific international standards (COSPAR ID 1998-067QL and SCN 44426) further integrates Polish technology into the global catalog of tracked space objects. This entry into the commercial market signals the maturity of Polish satellite engineering and its readiness to compete in the global data and communications markets.

## Notable For
- Being the **first Polish commercial nanosatellite**.
- Adhering to the **CubeSat standard** of miniaturized 10 cm modules.
- Launching aboard the **Antares** rocket system.
- Holding the unique **COSPAR ID** 1998-067QL.
- Having a dedicated presence in **Polish and Latvian** Wikipedia entries.

## Body

### Classification and Design
Światowid is an artificial satellite classified structurally as a **CubeSat**. This classification refers to a class of miniaturized satellites built to standard dimensions. A CubeSat unit is defined as a cube with sides of 10 cm, though specific configurations can combine multiple units. As a nanosatellite, Światowid represents a category of spacecraft with low mass and size, optimized for specific commercial or research tasks.

### Launch and Deployment
The satellite was successfully deployed into orbit on **April 17, 2019**. The launch was facilitated by the **Antares** launch vehicle. Antares is a medium-class rocket system produced by **Northrop Grumman**, a major aerospace and defense technology company based in the United States. This collaboration highlights the reliance of emerging commercial space entities on established launch providers to reach orbit.

### Orbital Identification
To track and identify the satellite within global space surveillance networks, Światowid is assigned specific identifiers:
- **COSPAR ID:** 1998-067QL
- **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN):** 44426

These identifiers allow the object to be distinguished from other debris and satellites in the orbital registry.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report