Witness the Live Broadcast: Historic Launch of EIRSAT-1, Ireland’s Inaugural Satellite
EIRSAT-1, Ireland’s pioneering satellite, was meticulously crafted by students hailing from the University College Dublin as active participants in the ESA Academy’s Fly Your Satellite! initiative. Courtesy: European Space Agency (ESA)
Join us for the live transmission of the momentous launch of EIRSAT-1, Ireland’s inaugural satellite, on ESA Web TV Channel 2 and ESA YouTube. The launch is currently scheduled for December 1, with coverage commencing at 19:00 CET/18:00 GMT.
Conceived and constructed by a cadre of University College Dublin students, under the expert guidance of ESA’s Education Office, EIRSAT-1 stands as a 2-unit CubeSat housing three distinctive experiments. Among these experiments is a groundbreaking gamma-ray detector designed to scrutinize some of the most radiant cosmic explosions.
The genesis of this mission can be traced back to 2017 when the student team was admitted to the prestigious ESA Academy Fly Your Satellite! program. Over the ensuing six years, these students have diligently collaborated with ESA professionals, cultivating the requisite expertise to engineer and fabricate their satellite. They underwent rigorous testing campaigns at ESA Education’s CubeSat Support Facility in Belgium and other ESA facilities. Furthermore, ESA generously offered them the opportunity to actualize the launch of their satellite.
As EIRSAT-1 journeys to the launch pad, the student team is diligently preparing to oversee its operations from the Mission Control hub at University College Dublin.
Tune in to our live launch coverage to delve deeper into this remarkable mission. Renowned Irish broadcaster Rick O’Shea, along with esteemed guests from ESA and the EIRSAT-1 team, will lead viewers through a comprehensive exploration of the mission’s historical background and pivotal milestones, encompassing liftoff, separation, and the acquisition of the signal, all from the vantage point of the EIRSAT-1 Mission Control Room. Níl aon satailít mar do shatailít féin! [There’s no satellite like your own satellite!]
Discover the captivating narrative of how a dedicated team of university students from University College Dublin is embarking on Ireland’s maiden voyage into space. This odyssey commenced in 2017 when the team was admitted into ESA’s educational CubeSat program, Fly Your Satellite! Over the span of six years, they meticulously devised, constructed, and rigorously tested the satellite, leveraging the expertise of ESA specialists and harnessing the state-of-the-art spacecraft testing facilities at ESA’s disposal. As the team readies itself for launch and subsequent operations, delve further into their journey culminating in this historic juncture. Credit: European Space Agency (ESA)
Table of Contents
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Satellite Launch
What is EIRSAT-1?
EIRSAT-1 is Ireland’s first satellite, designed and constructed by students from University College Dublin as part of ESA’s Fly Your Satellite! program. It’s a 2-unit CubeSat carrying three experiments, including a gamma-ray detector.
When is the live launch broadcast of EIRSAT-1?
The live launch broadcast of EIRSAT-1 is scheduled for December 1, beginning at 19:00 CET/18:00 GMT.
How long has the EIRSAT-1 mission been in development?
The EIRSAT-1 mission has been in development since 2017 when the student team was accepted into the ESA Academy Fly Your Satellite! program. It has been a six-year journey of designing, building, and testing the satellite.
Who has been involved in the development of EIRSAT-1?
University College Dublin students, under the guidance of ESA experts, have been the driving force behind EIRSAT-1’s development. They also received support from ESA’s CubeSat Support Facility in Belgium and other ESA sites.
Where can I watch the live launch coverage of EIRSAT-1?
You can watch the live launch coverage of EIRSAT-1 on ESA Web TV Channel 2 and ESA YouTube.
What experiments will EIRSAT-1 conduct?
EIRSAT-1 will conduct three experiments, including a novel gamma-ray detector designed to study luminous cosmic explosions.
Who will host the live launch coverage of EIRSAT-1?
Renowned Irish broadcaster Rick O’Shea, along with guests from ESA and the EIRSAT-1 team, will host the live launch coverage, providing insights into the mission’s history and key milestones.
Can I learn more about the journey of the University College Dublin team in building EIRSAT-1?
Yes, you can learn more about the journey of the University College Dublin team in building Ireland’s first satellite during the live launch coverage, which will delve into their historic odyssey.
