AGH University of Science and Technology (AGH) together with universities from all over Poland and SatRevolution has created a consortium with the leading space sector company in the world – Virgin Orbit. The goal of the signed agreement is to develop and send light research satellites into orbit. The start of the first poll is planned for 2022.

The satellite will weigh less than 50 kg and belongs to the category “cube sat”. Its task will be to photograph the surface of Mars and its moon – Phobos, analyze the composition of the Martian atmosphere or even search for water layers beneath the planet’s surface.

AGH scientists in the project will be responsible for creating a ship orientation system, which will allow to navigate the satellite. They will also construct apparatus that processes images of the planet’s surface to help select a place for the landing of the American space probe.