The Czech Republic has its new satellite SATurnin-1 in orbit. The satellite is responsible for capturing images of the planet. Developed by VZLU AEROSPACE in the Czech Republic, SATurnin-1 was launched aboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket as part of the Transporter 12 mission on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, shortly after 8:00 PM.
SATurnin-1 is the largest functioning 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. This is a scientific and research mission focusing on modern remote sensing technologies. The key components of the satellite were developed in the Czech Republic, the satellite was integrated in the so-called “clean rooms” at the VZLU AEROSPACE, Prague. Unlike other satellites, SATurnin-1 does not rely on foreign technologies, and the data onboard is processed using artificial intelligence algorithms.
Equipped with a high-resolution camera, SATurnin-1 captures images of the Earth. “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.
The satellite’s development received significant support from the Ministry of Defense. “SATurnin-1 will enhance the capabilities of Military Intelligence and its Satellite Center, which was established in 2018. The images taken by the Satellite Center will not only ensure the defense and security of the Czech Republic and alliance partners but will also be used by state administration and crisis management bodies if needed,” states Minister of Defense Jana Černochová.
“With SATurnin-1, we have a unique domestic source of satellite data at our disposal, which can be used as a priority for long-term monitoring of areas of interest. This project will also lead to cost savings in the future by reducing our reliance on commercial foreign satellite imagery providers,” summarizes Major General Petr Bartovský, Director of Military Intelligence.
VZLU AEROSPACE created the initial design of the satellite in 2022. Integration began in 2023 and was completed in September 2024. SATurnin-1 was transported from the Czech Republic to the United States in October 2024 for its launch. “This project elevates the Czech Republic into a new realm of satellite missions. SATurnin-1 has the latest technology for orientation control, onboard data processing, communication, and other critical systems. As a result of this project, VZLU AEROSPACE now possesses a skilled team and infrastructure for future missions, including AMBIC, QUVIK, VZLUGEM, and additional projects with our partners,” explains Juraj Dudáš, Director of the Space Division of VZLU AEROSPACE.
SATurnin-1 is the lates satellite developed by VZLU AEROSPACE. The first one was the VZLUSAT-1, which became the longest-communicating Czech and Czechoslovak satellite in orbit, and VZLUSAT-2, the first Czech satellite to capture HD images of the Czech Republic. The next planned missions include the VZLUGEM satellite constellation, focusing on technologies to identify and monitor objects posing threats to Earth’s critical infrastructure, 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.” Additionally, VZLU AEROSPACE cooperated on ESA projects, including the Proba-3 and Ariane 6.
