Delfi-C3 is the first university-class satellite and the first nanosatellite from the Netherlands. Launched on April 28 2008 and still operational after eleven years in orbit, this successful mission opened the way to the commercialisation of small satellites.

Developed and built by students and staff members of the Delft University of Technology, Delfi C³ was a demonstrator for thin Thin Film Solar Cells made by Airbus Defence and Space, two Autonomous Wireless Sun Sensors (AWSS) from TNO, a Radio Amateur Platform (RAP) from TU Delft and above all it was a proof of concept for future satellite projects.

No longer does a satellite have to be a large system, very expensive and complex to develop. It can be built from several modules that are put together and launched within 24 months. The Netherlands is one of the leading countries in the development of small satellite technology. And it all started ten years ago, with a student-built satellite...