# TUMnanoSAT

> Nanosatellite and first satellite of Moldova

**Wikidata**: [Q113486859](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q113486859)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TUMnanoSAT)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/tumnanosat

## Summary
TUMnanoSAT is a nanosatellite that represents Moldova's first satellite, launched on November 20, 1998. This artificial satellite was deployed using a Proton-K launch vehicle and carries the COSPAR ID 1998-067UD with satellite catalog number 53464.

## Key Facts
- Launched on November 20, 1998, making it Moldova's first satellite
- Deployed using the Proton-K launch vehicle, a Russian carrier rocket
- Satellite catalog number (SCN) is 53464 with COSPAR ID 1998-067UD
- Classified as an artificial satellite and specifically a nanosatellite
- Official website is https://nanosat.utm.md
- Available in 5 Wikipedia language editions: English, Italian, Latvian, Romanian, and Ukrainian
- Has 5 total sitelinks across various knowledge bases

## FAQs
### Q: What makes TUMnanoSAT significant for Moldova?
A: TUMnanoSAT represents Moldova's first satellite, marking the country's entry into space technology and satellite development. It demonstrates Moldova's capability in aerospace engineering and nanosatellite technology.

### Q: When was TUMnanoSAT launched?
A: TUMnanoSAT was launched on November 20, 1998, using a Proton-K launch vehicle.

### Q: What type of satellite is TUMnanoSAT?
A: TUMnanoSAT is classified as a nanosatellite, which is a category of small satellites typically weighing between 1-10 kilograms.

## Why It Matters
TUMnanoSAT holds significant importance as Moldova's inaugural satellite, representing a major milestone in the country's technological advancement and space capabilities. As a nanosatellite, it demonstrates how smaller nations can participate in space exploration and satellite technology without requiring massive budgets typically associated with larger spacecraft. The project showcases Moldova's engineering capabilities and contributes to the growing field of small satellite technology that has revolutionized space missions through cost-effective solutions. The satellite's development and deployment likely involved collaboration between Moldovan institutions and international partners, fostering technological knowledge transfer and building domestic expertise in aerospace engineering. Furthermore, TUMnanoSAT serves as an inspiration for future space projects in Moldova and other emerging space nations, proving that compact satellites can achieve meaningful objectives while remaining within resource constraints typical of smaller countries.

## Body
### Launch and Deployment
TUMnanoSAT was successfully launched on November 20, 1998, utilizing the Proton-K launch vehicle. The Proton-K is a Russian, formerly Soviet, carrier rocket known for its reliability in deploying various payloads into orbit. The satellite received the COSPAR ID 1998-067UD and was assigned satellite catalog number 53464 by tracking authorities.

### Technical Classification
As an artificial satellite, TUMnanoSAT falls under the broader category of human-made objects placed into orbital trajectories around Earth. Specifically, it is classified as a nanosatellite, indicating its size within the small satellite category. This classification reflects the growing trend toward miniaturization in satellite technology, allowing for more cost-effective space missions.

### National Significance
The satellite holds particular importance as Moldova's first satellite, marking the country's entry into the exclusive club of nations with space-based assets. This achievement demonstrates Moldova's technological capabilities and commitment to advancing in aerospace engineering fields.

### Documentation and Resources
TUMnanoSAT maintains an official website at https://nanosat.utm.md, providing information about the project and its objectives. The satellite is documented across multiple language versions of Wikipedia, including English, Italian, Latvian, Romanian, and Ukrainian editions, reflecting its regional and international interest.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report