November 11, 2023 – Marking a significant milestone in Ireland's space exploration history, the Educational Irish Research Satellite 1 (EIRSAT-1) is poised for launch, encapsulating years of dedicated work under the ESA Education programme. Developed by a team of enterprising students from University College Dublin, EIRSAT-1 is not just a satellite; it symbolizes Ireland's burgeoning capabilities in space technology.
The project, led by students from the UCD School of Physics and the UCD College of Engineering, took flight in 2017 when their ambitious CubeSat proposal was greenlit as part of the 2nd cycle of the Fly Your Satellite! (FYS) programme, an ESA Academy initiative. This undertaking exemplifies the blend of educational opportunity and cutting-edge research, fostering a new generation of space engineers and scientists.
EIRSAT-1, a 2-unit CubeSat, is equipped with three experiments, or 'payloads.' The primary science payload, GMOD, is a gamma-ray detector designed to study gamma-ray bursts, the universe's most luminous explosions. The secondary payloads include a study of thermal coatings for satellites and an alternative system for spacecraft orientation, underlining the satellite's multifaceted research objectives.
The project's journey from concept to launch is a tale of perseverance and innovation. Over six years, UCD students collaborated with ESA experts, honing their engineering skills and gaining invaluable experience in satellite design and testing. This journey took them through ESA Education’s CubeSat Support Facility in Belgium and other ESA sites, enriching their understanding of space missions' complexities.
A cornerstone of the FYS programme is its emphasis on exposing students to the entire life cycle of a space mission. This holistic approach included guidance for launch and post-launch operations, preparing the team to handle EIRSAT-1's operations once in orbit. In doing so, the team has established essential space infrastructure at UCD, including a cleanroom and Mission Control, signifying a major leap in space education and capacity building in Ireland.
The significance of EIRSAT-1 extends beyond academic circles. "It is a matter of pride for the Education team to be involved in the launch of the first satellite of a nation," comments Hugo Maree, Head of the ESA Education Office. The satellite’s departure from Ireland to Vandenberg Air Force Base in California for its launch aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket marks the culmination of years of dedication and learning.
As EIRSAT-1 prepares to take its place among the stars, it stands as a beacon of Ireland's ambition and capability in space exploration, heralding a new era in Irish space science.
