ISRO’s PSLV-C38 rocket launched Sprites, the world’s smallest spacecraft, into low Earth orbit (LEO). Developed by Zac Manchester and a team at Cornell University, these miniature satellites measured just 3.5 cm x 3.5 cm (1.38 in. x 1.38 in.) and weighed only 4 grams.

Launch Vehicle: PSLV-C38

Launch Date: 23 June 2017

Launch Site: Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, India

Orbit: Low Earth Orbit (~500 km altitude)

Technology Demonstration: Sprites aimed to test ultra-miniaturized space technology for future interstellar exploration.

Solar-Powered System: The spacecraft operated entirely on sunlight, using solar panels for energy.

Communications Experiment: Equipped with microcontrollers, sensors, and radio transceivers, Sprites transmitted signals back to Earth to test their functionality.

Pathfinder for Future Missions: The project was a precursor to the Breakthrough Starshot initiative, which aims to send light sail-propelled spacecraft to Alpha Centauri, our nearest star system.

Single-Chip Design: Sprites integrated solar cells, antennas, and communication circuits on a single printed circuit board (PCB).

Extremely Lightweight: At 4 grams per unit, these spacecraft were lighter than a sheet of paper.

Cost-Effective Space Technology: They demonstrated how low-cost, miniaturized spacecraft could be used for future planetary exploration.

Carried by Latvian satellite ‘Venta-1’ and Max Valier satellite: The Sprites were mounted on the Max Valier satellite, which was launched as a secondary payload with PSLV-C38.

Successfully Functioned in Space: After deployment, the Sprites transmitted signals, confirming their operational success in orbit.

Proof-of-Concept for Interstellar Missions: The success of Sprites validated the feasibility of using such tiny spacecraft for deep-space exploration.

Inspired Breakthrough Starshot: The mission paved the way for future “Starchip” spacecraft, envisioned to travel to Alpha Centauri at 20% the speed of light using laser-driven sails.

Advancements in Mini-Satellite Technology: Sprites demonstrated that picosatellites (tiny satellites) could perform scientific experiments and interplanetary missions at a fraction of traditional satellite costs.

Potential for Swarm Missions: Their small size and low cost make them ideal for deploying swarms of tiny probes for planetary exploration, space weather monitoring, and communication networks.

The successful launch of Sprites by ISRO’s PSLV-C38 marked a significant step in miniaturized space exploration. This groundbreaking experiment has influenced ongoing research in lightweight, solar-powered spacecraft, pushing the boundaries of future interstellar travel and cost-effective space missions.