On November 29, Eirsat-1 is scheduled to launch from a site in California. As preparations get underway for the scheduled launch, the satellite has now departed Irish soil for the final time.

After three tests are completed while in orbit, the spacecraft will be brought back to University College Dublin (UCD) so that the data gathered may be examined.

Originally suggested in 2017 as part of the European Space Agency's “Fly Your Satellite” project, which assists students in designing their own spacecraft, Eirsat-1 is a small cube satellite, or cubesat.

The creation of the satellite at UCD has brought space systems engineering and expertise that was not previously present in Irish business or university.

“Ireland has never had a satellite before and we are tremendously excited to reach this delivery milestone which is a tribute to the hard work of the team, and the support of the university, the Irish government, and Irish industry,” said Prof. Lorraine Hanlon, director of Eirsat-1 and the UCD Centre for Space Research.

“This departure of the satellite from Irish shores for the last time on the first step of its journey to orbit is a big moment for the team,” stated Dr. Ronan Wall, manager of the Centre for Space Research. After countless hours of preparation, Eirsat-1 is now prepared for launch and operation, with the goal of advancing science, education, and training in Ireland.