Slovenia puts new satellite into space

Slovenia has successfully launched its fourth satellite into space, marking a significant milestone in the country’s growing presence in the field of space technology. On September 5, the nanosatellite TRISAT-S was sent into low Earth orbit from the Norwegian launch site Andøya, aboard a rocket developed by the German commercial space company Isar Aerospace. This mission represents the first successful orbital flight for Isar Aerospace, positioning it as a key player in Europe’s emerging commercial space industry. TRISAT-S was developed through a collaborative effort between researchers at the University of Mariboru’s Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, and the local high-tech company SkyLabs. The satellite serves as a technological demonstrator, aimed at testing advanced systems that could one day enable small spacecraft to operate autonomously over long distances in space. Its design includes a unique energy hibernation system, allowing it to conserve power over extended periods, and six miniature cameras that aid in developing visual navigation techniques for future space missions. The journey to this success was long and fraught with challenges. The project was initially selected in 2021 by the German Space Agency (DLR) as part of a competition, securing free launch access using the newly developed Spectrum rocket. However, the actual launch was delayed for nearly five years due to technical difficulties and multiple failed attempts. The first test flight of the Spectrum rocket took place in March 2025, ending in a controlled ocean landing after approximately 30 seconds of flight. Despite this setback, Isar Aerospace considered it a valuable step forward in refining their system. Further delays occurred throughout 2026, with several launch attempts postponed due to technical issues and logistical constraints at the launch site. In January, a problem with the pressure regulation valve forced a postponement. Later, in March, a vessel entered a protected maritime area, while in April, a leak was detected in one of the pressure vessels. June brought further complications with anomalies in the fuel systems. Finally, on September 5, the Spectrum rocket successfully reached orbit, deploying the satellite TRISAT-S among five other CubeSat-class satellites from Germany, Norway, Bulgaria, and Austria. This achievement underscores the potential of combining academic expertise with domestic industry. Researchers from the University of Maribor and SkyLabs have previously collaborated on earlier versions of the TRISAT series, which have already been successfully launched into space. Dr. Iztok Kramberger, the project leader, emphasized that TRISAT-S is designed to test critical technologies for deep-space exploration, including long-term energy conservation, miniaturized vision systems, and autonomous operations. These capabilities are essential for future missions where resources are severely limited. The satellite’s mission is expected to last several years, during which it will gather data that could inform the development of more resilient and efficient space systems. As Slovenia continues to invest in space-related research and technology, TRISAT-S stands as a testament to the nation’s growing role in the global space community.