POLIBASAT

PoliBaSat is a 3U CubeSat developed by the Polytechnic University of Bari, Italy, designed to demonstrate space-based observation capabilities for tracking debris and satellites. The mission addresses the growing need for more accurate tracking data, as current ground-based systems often produce excessive false alarms.

PoliBaSat will demonstrate the benefits of in-orbit sensors, such as enabling observations much closer to potential collisions. The satellite is equipped with a compact, star tracker-like sensor to investigate the feasibility of repurposing such devices for collision avoidance tasks. PoliBaSat will receive daily predictions of close-passing objects and autonomously plan and execute observations, using its reaction wheels for precise pointing. Acquired images will be downlinked via S-band communication, either in a compressed format or after region-of-interest (ROI) processing, for later ground analysis of tracking data quality.

A full-scale 3D-printed model of PoliBaSat will be exhibited at the Italian Pavilion during Expo 2025 in Osaka, showcasing Italian innovation in the field of space technology.