The Czech satellite SATurnin-1 is successfully fulfilling its mission in orbit, sending images. Among its photographs is a sequence of pictures of the Palm Islands and the World archipelago, which, with its shape, resembles a map of the world, located near Dubai. The satellite was integrated in VZLU AEROSPACE (formerly Czech Aerospace Research Centre) for the Military Intelligence with significant support from the Ministry of Defence. Due to strategic reasons, the images cannot be published at full resolution.
SATurnin-1 was launched in the orbit aboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket as part of the Transporter 12 mission on Tuesday, January 14, 2025. It is a scientific and research mission focusing on modern Earth remote sensing technologies. SATurnin-1 is gradually completing its tasks one by one. For example, the satellite has already sent a picture of Prague in the spring.
“In today’s world, the ability to take images from space and analyze events on the ground has become a security and economic necessity. SATurnin-1 is another of the important satellite missions of VZLU AEROSPACE, helping the Czech Republic fulfill its strategic interests and contribute to the technical and commercial development of the Czech space industry,” explains Josef Kašpar, General Director of VZLU AEROSPACE.
SATurnin-1 is the largest functioning and most advanced Czech satellite in space. Its solar panel span measures 87 cm, while the satellite body has dimensions of 32 cm x 22.5 cm x 22.5 cm. It weighs approximately 14 kilograms.
The initial design was created in 2022, with integration starting in 2023 and completed in 2024. SATurnin-1 was then transported from the Czech Republic to the United States in October 2024 for its launch. The names of those involved in its development are engraved on the inner side of one of the satellite’s walls.
The satellite was given its name after Saturnin from the book of the same title by Zdeněk Jirotka. And just like in the book, SATurnin-1 in orbit is a reliable servant, serving defence and security.
SATurnin-1 is one of many missions developed by VZLU AEROSPACE. Other current projects include the VZLUGEM satellite constellation, as well as the AMBIC and QUVIK satellites, which have been recognized by the Ministry of Transport of the Czech Republic and ESA as “ambitious Czech missions.” VZLU AEROSPACE has also sent into space the satellite VZLUSAT-1, which became the longest-communicating Czech and Czechoslovak satellite in orbit. Additionally, VZLUSAT-2, still in orbit and functioning, was the first Czech satellite to capture HD images of the Czech Republic. Furthermore, VZLU AEROSPACE has collaborated on ESA projects, contributing to the development of the Proba-3 satellite mission, which were launched into orbit in December 2024, as well as to testing the structure of the Ariane 6 rocket launcher. VZLU AEROSPACE continues to expand its infrastructure and is capable of operating satellites, with plans to unveil new clean rooms for the integration of satellites weighing up to 200 kilograms in the forthcoming months.
