In collaboration with the Polytechnic University of Turin, the Vatican has launched a "papal satellite" named Spei Satelles into space.
The CubeSat was launched from the Vandenberg Space Force Base in California aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. This remarkable feat marks a significant step in the Catholic Church's engagement with space technology.
Papal Satellite Launch
Vatican News reports that the primary objective of the Spei Satelles mission is to transmit a message of hope to the world, particularly during the challenging times of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
The message chosen by the Vatican is the Statio Orbis prayer, delivered by Pope Francis on March 27, 2020, at St. Peter's Square in Rome.
This prayer and "message of hope" were shared with an empty square, symbolizing the impact and severity of the pandemic.
The Nanobook and Satellite Specifications
A key component of the papal satellite is a tiny nanobook created by the Institute of Photonics and Nanotechnology at the Italian National Research Center (CNR).
Measuring only 2 x 2 x 0.2 millimeters, IFLScience reports that this nanobook contains a silicon slab engraved with a binary code representation of the Pope's words and images from the 2020 Statio Orbis.
The nanobook's engraving technique was necessary due to the size constraints, as traditional printing methods were not feasible.
Spei Satelles is a 3U CubeSat designed by students at the Polytechnic University of Turin over five months. It measures 34x10x10 centimeters and weighs approximately three kilograms.
The satellite features solar panels on its exterior to generate power. Inside, it houses the nanobook, two onboard computers, a battery, measurement sensors, small magnets for stabilization, and two ultra-high frequency (UHF) communication systems.
Broadcasting the Pope's Message
The UHF communication systems on board the satellite play a crucial role in broadcasting the Pope's messages.
The satellite will transmit excerpts from Pope Francis' messages of hope through two antennas, enabling radio enthusiasts worldwide to receive and listen to the inspirational words.
Listeners will require radio equipment capable of tuning in to the 437.5 MHz frequency to receive the broadcast.
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In addition to transmitting the message, the Spei Satelles project allows individuals to participate in a gesture of mercy. Participants commit to performing acts of kindness and mercy on Earth by registering their names on the official website.
The registered names will be stored on an additional chip carried by the satellite. Participants have pledged various acts, such as displaying messages of peace, writing letters of gratitude, or helping young people express themselves responsibly online.
The success of this initiative has prompted the organizers to continue accepting registrations even after the launch. Names from the ground control station will be remotely written on the chip, ensuring a lasting connection between the participants and the mission.
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