# TROLL

> satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q131742103](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q131742103)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/troll

## Summary
TROLL is a Czech nanosatellite launched on January 14, 2025, as the first Czech satellite equipped with a hyperspectral camera. It was developed by TRL Space to demonstrate experimental technologies and monitor environmental issues such as illegal landfills, water pollution, and vegetation damage. The satellite was launched aboard SpaceX's Transporter 12 mission from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4 East.

## Key Facts
- Launched on January 14, 2025, aboard SpaceX Transporter 12 mission
- Developed by TRL Space, a Czech aerospace company
- Classified as a nanosatellite (under 10-20 kg) and technology demonstration spacecraft
- Equipped with hyperspectral imaging capabilities for environmental monitoring
- Carries a lidar system as part of its payload
- Launched from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4 East, California
- Operated by TRL Space with launch services provided by Exolaunch
- Country of origin: Czech Republic
- Mission website: https://www.trlspace.cz/troll

## FAQs
### Q: What is the primary purpose of the TROLL satellite?
A: TROLL is designed to demonstrate experimental technologies, particularly hyperspectral imaging, for monitoring environmental issues such as illegal landfills, water pollution, and vegetation damage from space.

### Q: When and how was TROLL launched?
A: TROLL was launched on January 14, 2025, aboard SpaceX's Transporter 12 rideshare mission from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4 East in California.

### Q: Who developed and operates the TROLL satellite?
A: TROLL was developed and is operated by TRL Space, a Czech aerospace company, making it the largest commercial satellite in the history of the Czech Republic.

## Why It Matters
TROLL represents a significant milestone for the Czech space industry as the nation's first satellite equipped with hyperspectral imaging technology. This capability allows for detailed environmental monitoring that can detect illegal landfills, water pollution, and vegetation damage that might be invisible to conventional cameras. The satellite's technology demonstration mission showcases Czech engineering capabilities on the global stage and provides valuable data for environmental protection efforts. By being part of SpaceX's Transporter 12 rideshare mission, TROLL demonstrates the growing accessibility of space for smaller nations and companies through commercial launch services. The satellite's ability to potentially protect millions of people from glacial lake outburst floods highlights the practical applications of space technology for addressing real-world environmental challenges.

## Notable For
- First Czech satellite equipped with hyperspectral imaging technology
- Largest commercial satellite ever launched from the Czech Republic
- Demonstrates Czech aerospace capabilities on an international platform
- Addresses critical environmental monitoring needs through advanced imaging
- Launched as part of SpaceX's cost-effective rideshare program

## Body
### Technical Specifications
TROLL is classified as a nanosatellite, typically weighing between 1-10 kg, though it represents the largest commercial satellite launched from the Czech Republic. The satellite incorporates advanced hyperspectral imaging technology, which captures data across multiple spectral bands, enabling detailed analysis of Earth's surface composition and condition.

### Mission Objectives
The primary mission of TROLL involves technology demonstration and environmental monitoring. The hyperspectral camera is specifically designed to identify illegal landfills, detect water pollution sources, assess vegetation health, and potentially monitor glacial lake outburst flood risks that could affect millions of people. This represents a significant advancement in using space-based technology for environmental protection and resource management.

### Launch and Operations
TROLL was successfully launched on January 14, 2025, as part of the SpaceX Transporter 12 mission, a dedicated rideshare flight that carries multiple small satellites to orbit. The launch took place from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4 East in California. Exolaunch served as the launch integration service provider, facilitating TROLL's inclusion in the rideshare manifest. The satellite operates under the control of TRL Space, with mission data accessible through the company's website.

### Payload and Capabilities
Beyond its primary hyperspectral imaging system, TROLL incorporates lidar (Light Detection and Ranging) technology, enhancing its Earth observation capabilities. The combination of hyperspectral and lidar sensors provides comprehensive data collection for various applications, from environmental monitoring to potential disaster prevention. This multi-sensor approach demonstrates the satellite's role as a technology demonstrator for future Czech space missions.

## References

1. [Source](https://www.elonx.cz/mise-transporter-12/)
2. [TROLL míří do vesmíru. 2025](https://www.czechspaceportal.cz/troll-miri-do-vesmiru-prvni-ceska-druzice-s-hyperspektralni-kamerou-odhali-nelegalni-skladky-znecisteni-vodnich-toku-poskozeni-vegetace-a-muze-ochranit-i-miliony-lidi-ohrozenych-protrhnutim-ledovco/)
3. [TRL Space will send the largest commercial satellite in the history of Czech Republic into space](https://www.hilase.cz/en/trl-space-will-send-the-largest-commercial-satellite-in-the-history-of-czech-republic-into-space/)