# TET-1

> microsatellite operated by the German Aerospace Center

**Wikidata**: [Q884905](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q884905)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TET-1)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/tet-1

## Summary
TET-1 (TechnologieErprobungsTräger) is a German microsatellite operated by the German Aerospace Center (DLR). Launched on July 22, 2012, it serves a dual purpose as both an Earth observation satellite and a technology demonstration spacecraft. It was manufactured by Kayser-Threde GmbH and launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome.

## Key Facts
- **Operator:** German Aerospace Center (DLR)
- **Manufacturer:** Kayser-Threde GmbH
- **Launch Date:** July 22, 2012
- **Launch Vehicle:** Soyuz-FG
- **Launch Site:** Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 31
- **COSPAR ID:** 2012-039D
- **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN):** 38710
- **Classification:** Artificial satellite of the Earth; Earth observation satellite; Technology demonstration spacecraft.
- **Alias:** TechnologieErprobungsTräger

## FAQs
### Q: What does the acronym TET-1 stand for?
A: TET stands for **TechnologieErprobungsTräger**, which translates to "Technology Experiment Carrier." It is designated as a microsatellite used for testing new technologies in space.

### Q: Who built and operates TET-1?
A: The satellite was manufactured by **Kayser-Threde GmbH** and is owned and operated by the **German Aerospace Center** (Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt or DLR).

### Q: When and how was TET-1 launched?
A: TET-1 was launched on **July 22, 2012**, aboard a **Soyuz-FG** rocket. It lifted off from **Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 31**.

### Q: What is the primary function of TET-1?
A: TET-1 is designed as a **technology demonstration spacecraft**, meant to test experimental technologies in orbit, and also functions as an **Earth observation satellite**.

## Why It Matters
TET-1 serves as a critical platform for the German Aerospace Center (DLR) to validate new aerospace technologies in the harsh environment of space. As a "technology demonstration spacecraft," its primary significance lies in bridging the gap between laboratory testing and operational deployment. By flying experimental payloads on a relatively low-cost microsatellite bus, DLR and its industrial partners can verify the functionality and durability of new components—such as sensors, communication systems, or propulsion technologies—before they are integrated into larger, more expensive missions.

Furthermore, its classification as an Earth observation satellite indicates that it contributes tangible data regarding the planet's surface and atmosphere. The mission represents a specific class of modular, adaptable spacecraft (the TET series) that allows for flexible payload integration. The successful launch and operation of TET-1 via a Soyuz-FG rocket in 2012 demonstrated international cooperation in launch services and reinforced Germany's autonomous capabilities in small satellite development and operations.

## Notable For
- Being a dedicated **technology demonstration spacecraft**, allowing for the testing of experimental payloads in orbit.
- Operating as a **microsatellite**, which typically implies a lower cost and more specific mission profile compared to larger flagship satellites.
- Being operated by the **German Aerospace Center (DLR)**, Germany's premier research center for aerospace.
- Utilizing the **Soyuz-FG** launch vehicle, a workhorse of the space industry, launched from Site 31 at Baikonur.

## Body
### Mission Overview
TET-1 is an artificial satellite of the Earth classified as a microsatellite. Its full name, TechnologieErprobungsTräger, defines its core mission: acting as a carrier for technology experiments. The spacecraft falls under the specific class of "technology demonstration spacecraft," designed to prove the viability of new space technologies. Additionally, it holds the classification of an Earth observation satellite.

### Ownership and Manufacturing
The satellite is a product of German engineering, manufactured by **Kayser-Threde GmbH**. It is owned and operated by the **German Aerospace Center**, which is headquartered in Cologne, Germany. The DLR oversees the satellite's mission parameters and data retrieval.

### Launch Details
The satellite was successfully delivered to orbit on **July 22, 2012**. The launch was executed using a **Soyuz-FG** rocket, a launch vehicle often used for crewed and uncrewed missions. The specific launch site was **Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 31**, a launch complex located in Kazakhstan.

### Identifiers and Technical Data
TET-1 can be identified in international space catalogs by its **COSPAR ID** (2012-039D) and its **Satellite Catalog Number** (38710). In Wolfram Language datasets, it is encoded as `Entity["Satellite", "38710"]`. Imaging of the satellite, specifically during EMC (Electromagnetic Compatibility) testing, is available and provides visual documentation of the spacecraft prior to launch.

## Schema Markup
```json
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Thing",
  "name": "TET-1",
  "description": "Microsatellite operated by the German Aerospace Center for Earth observation and technology demonstration.",
  "sameAs": [
    "https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1431547",
    "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TET-1"
  ],
  "additionalType": "Satellite"
}

## References

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