The DUTHSat-2, the inaugural CubeSat under the National Microsatellite Program with the support of the European Space Agency (ESA), was launched on Monday, June 23, 2025, at 23:30.
The launch occurred at Vandenberg Space Force Base in the USA using a Falcon-9 rocket as part of SpaceX’s Transporter-14 mission.
Engineered and produced by a research team at Democritus University of Thrace in partnership with Greek companies, DUTHSat-2 exemplifies how projects from academic institutions enhance collaboration, create opportunities for emerging scientists, and align research with societal and economic needs.
Weighing 7 kg, DUTHSat-2 was aboard the Falcon-9 rocket for about one hour before being deployed into orbit at an altitude of 510 km. It is currently undergoing a comprehensive procedure for orbital positioning and activating its operational capabilities.
Within six months of establishing communication with the satellite and initiating its operations, DUTHSat-2 will conduct in-orbit testing of new experimental Earth observation systems (optical cameras) and secure communication technologies (telecommunication systems).
The project’s objective is to enhance the country’s Earth observation capabilities and secure space communications. Specifically, DUTHSat-2 will provide imagery and data related to soil moisture and marine pollution. The selected spectral recording frequencies and camera resolution are capable of detecting oil spills and pollution from ships’ ballast water discharge. Additionally, an in-flight demonstration of a new telemetry and operational status module, known as Essential TeleMetry and housekeeping (ETM)—analogous to a “black box”—will enable operators to monitor the satellite’s status should any main subsystems fail.
