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Luxembourg Earth Observation System: successful launch of the satellite
On 26 August 2025, at 11:53 local time, the Luxembourg Earth Observation System (LUXEOSys) satellite was successfully launched from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California (USA), aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. Less than twelve minutes after lift-off, the satellite was released and deployed.
On 26 August 2025, at 11:53 local time, the Luxembourg Earth Observation System (LUXEOSys) satellite was successfully launched from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California (USA), aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. Less than twelve minutes after lift-off, the satellite was released and deployed.
The launch and the subsequent operationalisation of the system mark important steps in the implementation of the Luxembourg Defence Space Strategy.
The government owned LUXEOSys satellite has been placed into a sun-synchronous Low Earth Orbit at an altitude of approximately 450 kilometers. With 15 revolutions per day, the system will be able to deliver up to 100 very high-resolution images per day, providing global coverage.
The dual-use LUXEOSys satellite system will be used for a wide range of applications, including military operations, security applications, monitoring of troop movements in a conflict zone, human disasters and humanitarian assistance, natural disaster support, and climate change monitoring.
Through this state-of-the-art Earth observation system, Luxembourg Defence will address the growing demand for governmental satellite imagery. Once fully operational in early 2026 – following a series of key in-orbit tests- LUXEOSys will enable the Luxembourg Directorate of Defence to act as an image provider for the EU, NATO, the UN and other trusted partners, thereby contributing to national, European and transatlantic security.
The LUXEOSys satellite and its decentralized ground segment were designed and built by OHB Italy as prime contractor.
LUXEOSys in figures
- Orbit: 450 km
- Satellite speed: 8 km/s
- 1 revolution every 94 minutes
- 15 revolutions/day
- Hexagonal shape with a diameter of 1.84 m
- One image = 10x10 km area covered (2.5 Gigabytes)
- Service life: 7 + 3 years
Press release of the Directorate of Defence