스페이스X (SpaceX), 룩셈부르크 영상 위성 및 7개 탑승공유 위성 발사
2025년 8월 26일, 스페이스X(SpaceX)는 캘리포니아 반덴버그 우주군 기지에서 팰컨 9(Falcon 9) 로켓을 성공적으로 발사했다. 이번 발사의 주요 임무는 룩셈부르크 정부의 정찰위성 ‘NAOS’를 궤도에 올리는 것이었으며, 7개의 소형 위성이 탑승공유(rideshare) 방식으로 함께 발사되었다.
SpaceX successfully launched Luxembourg’s first national Earth-observation satellite, NAOS, on August 26, 2025 from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California. The Falcon 9 rocket lifted off at 11:53 a.m. PT and its first stage, on its 27th mission, returned safely to Landing Zone-4.
Built by OHB Italia, NAOS (National Advanced Optical System) will deliver high-resolution imagery for Luxembourg’s defense ministry and share data with international partners such as EU, NATO, UN. The satellite can capture up to 100 images a day and is designed for at least seven years of service.
The mission also carried seven rideshare payloads, including Planet Labs’ Pelican-3 and Pelican-4, India’s Dhruva Space LEAP-1 with Australian instruments, and four satellites deployed by Exolaunch for Capella Space, Pixxel, and an undisclosed U.S. customer.
“NAOS marks a major milestone for Luxembourg, giving us our own independent Earth-observation capability for the first time,” said Luxembourg’s Defense Minister, who called the launch “a cornerstone for national security and international cooperation.”
This mission marks a strategic leap for Luxembourg—its first independent high-resolution Earth-imaging capability. NAOS strengthens national defense, environmental monitoring, and international collaboration. At the same time, the rideshare manifest underscores the growing popularity and efficiency of multi-client space launches.
photo credit: SpaceX
Source: https://luxembourgtradeandinvest.com/news/spacex-launched-luxembourg%E2%80%99s-first-national-earth-observation-satellite