The first images of Prague were transmitted by the new Czech military satellite SATurnin-1
The newest Czech military satellite, SATurnin-1, has started transmitting its first images of the Earth, including images of Prague, which is proof of its successful operation in orbit.
Here's What We Know
The VZLU Aerospace Research Institute has received the images, which are the main task of the satellite. The device was launched into orbit in January this year by a SpaceX Falcon-9 rocket as part of the Transporter 12 mission.
The satellite, developed by the Czech Ministry of Defence, is the largest in space among Czech vehicles. After the solar panels are unfolded, its size is 87 cm and its dimensions are 32 x 22.5 x 22.5 cm. The main instrument is a high-resolution telescope that can take up to 100 images per day. The data is processed on board using artificial intelligence algorithms.
FOTOGRAFIE PRAHY: SRDEČNÝ POZDRAV SATURNINA-1 Z OBĚŽNÉ DRÁHY
- VZLU AEROSPACE (@VZLUcz) 2 April 2025
Česká družice SATurnin-1 vyvinutá ve VZLU AEROSPACE pro @ObranaTweetuje, poslala snímek Prahy. Družice je na oběžné dráze od ledna letošního roku a právě pořizování snímků je jejím hlavním úkolem. @VZpravodajstvi pic.twitter.com/urVi95Bcdj
The key components of the satellite were developed by Czech companies and institutions. It was assembled at the National Research Centre for Aviation and Astronautics VZLU Aerospace. The Czech Army provided funding for the project, and development of the first version began in 2022. All work was completed in September 2024, after which the satellite was sent to the United States for launch.
The Czech Ministry of Defence stressed that the project will allow the country to reduce its dependence on foreign satellite imagery providers and provide financial savings in the future.
Source: X
