Teacher from the Department of Industrial Electronics promotes innovative project at the UMinho School of Engineering with the Prometheus-1 satellite

16 de January de 2025

A small satellite for space… A giant leap for UMinho!

Last week, the University of Minho reached a historic milestone with the successful launch of the Prometheus-1 satellite 🛰️ into orbit. This project, led by the School of Engineering at UMinho, represents not only a triumph for the institution but also a significant step forward for the Portuguese aerospace industry.

“Prometheus-1 symbolizes years of dedication, collaboration, and innovation. This project involved a multidisciplinary team of faculty, researchers, and students who worked tirelessly to make this mission possible,” stated Teacher Alexandre Silva, the project coordinator, in an interview with Rádio Universitária do Minho. Teacher Alexandre Silva, from the Department of Industrial Electronics, also emphasized the project’s importance: “It was a unique opportunity to integrate advanced technologies into a small-scale satellite, showcasing the talent and capability of our team.”

The Dean of the School of Engineering, Teacher Pedro Arezes, was present at the event and remarked, “This launch is a historic milestone not only for UMinho but for higher education across Portugal. It reflects our School’s commitment to leading innovative projects that combine academic knowledge with practical impact.”

The Mission of Prometheus-1

The Prometheus-1 satellite aims to conduct atmospheric studies and test new technologies for communication and remote monitoring. According to a report by the journal Engenharia Hoje, the device is also equipped with advanced sensors to measure variations in the ionosphere, contributing to research on climate change.

In a session held at UMinho’s campus, Rector Rui Vieira de Castro highlighted, “This is an example of how academic collaboration and applied research can positively impact the future of our society. We are opening doors for other projects to take off, both literally and figuratively.”

The project also involved active participation from students in the Aerospace Engineering and Industrial Electronics and Computer Engineering programs at UMinho, both renowned for their focus on cutting-edge technologies and practical integration.

National and International Recognition

Various media outlets covered the event, emphasizing the mission’s pioneering nature. Television channels RTP, SIC, and TVI, along with the newspaper Público, published detailed reports on the impact of Prometheus-1. “This project places Portugal on a higher tier within the aerospace sector. UMinho has demonstrated that it is possible to compete internationally even in highly technological areas,” said Miguel Santos, director of the Portuguese Space Agency, in a statement to the journal Ciência e Tecnologia. Additional coverage included articles in Jornal de Notícias, Expresso, and other local, national, and international media outlets.

Launch Session

For those who wish to relive this historic moment, the launch session is available on the YouTube channel of the UMinho School of Engineering. The video captures every detail of the mission, from preparations to the moment the satellite reached orbit.

The Future of Space Engineering at UMinho

Prometheus-1 is just the beginning. In recent interviews, members of the project team mentioned plans for developing new satellites and collaborating with other international institutions. As researcher Ana Matos pointed out, “This marks the start of a new era for aerospace engineering at UMinho. We are incredibly excited about what lies ahead.”

With initiatives like this, the University of Minho reaffirms itself as a center of excellence in research and development, inspiring new generations to look to the stars and dream bigger.

Launch News links