OreSat 0.5 is a 2U (20x10x10 cm) small satellite developed in collaboration between the ESI and Portland State University (PSU). After a five-year development, OreSat 0.5 was launched from Vandenberg AFB in California on August 16, 2024. The first telemetry signals were received at PSU a few hours after launch. OreSat 0.5 was confirmed to be power positive on December 23, 2024, which means the next step is a test image capture!
In space, OreSat 0.5 will measure specific signals from cirrus clouds for the purpose of global mapping and climate study. If successful, OreSat 0.5 will be the foundation for a future mission, OreSat 1. Aspects of the OreSat mission serve as a testbed for future ESI payloads as well. Stay up to date with OreSat on the PSU website.
Photo: The SpaceX Transporter-11 mission carrying the OreSat 0.5 smallsat takes off from Vandenburg AFB, California on August 16, 2024. Image Credit: PSU
