May 8, 2013

Estonia's first satellite carries a tether for testing the electric sail




ESTCube-1, Estonia's first satellite, was successfully launched into orbit. The purpose of the satellite is to measure the electric sail effect. The Finnish Meteorological Institute bears the main responsibility for the payload.

Using a Vega rocket, Estonia’s first satellite ESTCube-1 was successfully launched into orbit early Tuesday morning from Europe’s Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana. After the launch, everything has proceeded according to plan. ESTCube-1 is orbiting the Earth and a radio link has been established with the satellite.