The University of Luxembourg’s first miniaturised satellite POQUITO (PocketQube for In-Orbit Technology Operations) was successfully launched into space from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California, on 14 January at 11.09 local time. The satellite took off onboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket as part of the Transporter-12 rideshare mission.
Measuring 5x5x5 cm, roughly the size of a Rubik’s Cube, POQUITO will be deployed into a sun-synchronous orbit at 525 km altitude via Alba Orbital’s rideshare services, using an AlbaPod PocketQube deployer.
Developed by the Space Systems Engineering (SpaSys) team at the Interdisciplinary Centre for Security, Reliability and Trust (SnT), POQUITO is a significant milestone as the University of Luxembourg’s first fully owned satellite. The project, designed, built and operated by researchers and students of the University, aims to demonstrate ultra-miniaturised technologies in space.
POQUITO hosts a 5x5x0.2 cm ChipSat, a printed circuit board payload operating autonomously. The mission is to test optical communication between the satellite and the ChipSat using miniaturised LEDs (Light-emitting diodes), and control the satellite using the Earth’s magnetic field. This experiment marks an important step toward advancing satellite miniaturisation, a key technological development to reduce costs and make space more accessible.
‟ This is a landmark achievement for the University of Luxembourg. With this launch, we are building up strategic capabilities for Luxembourg and laying the groundwork for future space missions.”

Rector
“For the first time, we have managed every aspect of a space mission, from design and testing to licensing and securing a launch carrier”, said Prof. Andreas Hein, Head of the SpaSys team at SnT. “We will leverage this experience to drive future space projects and push the boundaries of satellite miniaturisation.”
The satellite will operate for up to three years, communicating with SnT’s ground station on Kirchberg campus in Luxembourg via UHF (Ultra High Frequencies) frequencies. It will provide open access to telemetry and communication tests, contributing valuable insights for the development of future miniaturised space technologies.
POQUITO Satellite in the media
Links in Luxemburgish
Links in English
Links in French
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Le premier satellite de l’Université lancé avec succès par SpaceX
Paperjam -
Décollage réussi pour le satellite luxembourgeois Poquito
Le Quotidien -
L’Université du Luxembourg se lance dans la course à l’espace avec son premier satellite
Virgule -
Le satellite luxembourgeois Poquito a pris son envol
L’Essentiel -
POQUITO : un petit satellite pour de grandes ambitions spatiales
Forbes Luxembourg -
L’Université lance un satellite de cinq centimètres en orbite
Le Quotidien -
L’Université envoie en orbite son premier mini satellite
Woxx -
Le premier satellite de l’Université du Luxembourg prend son envol
Science.lu -
Poquito : le satellite de poche luxembourgeois qui vise haut
Les Frontaliers
Links in German
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Universität Luxemburg schickt ersten Satelliten in den Orbit
Volksfreund -
Universität Luxemburg schickt erstmals eigenen Satelliten ins All
Wort -
Luxemburgs Mini-Satellit Poquito ist auf großer Mission
L’Essentiel -
Weltall Ein Würfel als Eintrittsticket: Universität Luxemburg schickt ersten Satelliten in den Orbit
Tageblatt -
Der erste Satellit der Universität Luxemburg hebt ab
Science.lu -
Kleiner Satellit will hoch hinaus
Die Grenzgaenger