This is the first nanosatellite designed by a Portuguese university institution.

ISTsat-1, whose mission will last one year, aims to test the feasibility of using nanosatellites to receive signals about the status of aircraft, such as speed and altitude, for air safety purposes.

Along with ISTsat-1, other satellites and scientific equipment from foreign institutions, companies, and space agencies will follow.

The European Space Agency (ESA) today announced the inaugural launch of the Ariane 6 rocket on July 9, after a four-year delay, from the European base of Kourou, in French Guiana.

Ariane 6 will succeed Ariane 5, which made its last flight in July 2023.

ESA expects a second launch of the new range of European rockets by the end of the year.