# URSA MAIOR

> 42776

**Wikidata**: [Q111471190](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q111471190)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/ursa-maior

## Summary
URSA MAIOR is an Italian amateur radio satellite launched on June 24, 2017. Designed and operated by Sapienza University of Rome and GAUSS Srl, it serves the purpose of transmitting amateur radio signals in orbit.

## Key Facts
- Entity Designation: 42776
- Country of Origin: Italy
- Launch Date: June 24, 2017
- Operator: Sapienza University of Rome, GAUSS Srl
- Instance Of: Amateur Radio Satellite
- Launch Vehicle: Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle-XL (PSLV-XL)
- COSPAR ID: 2017-036M
- Orbital Parameters: Apoapsis 494.9 km, Periapsis 476.7 km, Period 94.2 minutes, Inclination 97.2 degrees
- State: Inactive (current status of use)

## FAQs
### Q: Who built URSA MAIOR?
A: URSA MAIOR was designed and built by Sapienza University of Rome and GAUSS Srl in Italy.

### Q: When and how was URSA MAIOR launched?
A: It was launched on June 24, 2017, aboard a Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle-XL (PSLV-XL) rocket.

### Q: What is the current status of URSA MAIOR?
A: URSA MAIOR is currently classified as inactive in terms of its state of use.

## Why It Matters
URSA MAIOR represents a significant achievement in Italian space technology and amateur radio experimentation. As a student-built satellite, it provided practical experience in satellite engineering, operations, and radio communication for the involved teams. Its mission contributed to the broader field of amateur radio satellites, demonstrating the feasibility of such projects for educational and technological advancement within Italy. While currently inactive, it served as an important platform for hands-on learning and research in satellite communications and orbital mechanics.

## Notable For
- Being an Italian amateur radio satellite developed through a university-industry collaboration between Sapienza University of Rome and GAUSS Srl.
- Its launch on a Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle-XL (PSLV-XL) in 2017.
- Operating in a Sun-synchronous orbit with a specific inclination of 97.2 degrees.
- Its designation under the COSPAR registry as 2017-036M.
- Its current state being classified as inactive.

## Body
### Mission Overview
URSA MAIOR (entity code 42776) is an amateur radio satellite. Its development and operation were managed by Sapienza University of Rome and GAUSS Srl based in Italy.

### Launch & Vehicle
The satellite was launched on June 24, 2017. It was deployed using a Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle-XL (PSLV-XL) rocket, identified in reference data by its Wikidata code Q6272367. Its launch is cataloged under the COSPAR identifier 2017-036M.

### Orbital Characteristics
URSA MAIOR operates in a low Earth orbit with specific parameters:
*   **Apogee (Apoapsis):** 494.9 km
*   **Perigee (Periapsis):** 476.7 km
*   **Orbital Period:** 94.2 minutes
*   **Orbital Inclination:** 97.2 degrees (indicating a Sun-synchronous orbit)

### Mission Operations
The satellite was designed and operated by Sapienza University of Rome and GAUSS Srl. Its primary function is to transmit amateur radio signals, classifying it as an amateur radio satellite. Its current status is inactive.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report