The Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST) has announced that on Monday 1 December 2025, the SPiN-2 mission saw the launch of a satellite featuring sensors produced by the institute.
The SPiN-2 mission, coordinated by the German-based company SPiN (Space Products and iNnovation GmbH), sent a 3U CubeSat into orbit to test new technologies developed in Europe. The satellite is flying in a Sun-Synchronous Orbit (SSO) between 500 and 600 km above Earth. Its main mission is expected to last around six months, with the possibility of extending operations for up to a year.
According to LIST, the SPiN-2 satellite is based on a 3U CubeSat platform, which is approximately the size of a shoebox. On board, one part of the payload carries an advanced optical system developed by ARCA Dynamics. This system is designed to take images in space and test new ways of observing objects in orbit. To make the systems in the payload work smoothly within the satellite, the mission relies on SPiN's own multipurpose adapter generic interface connector, a small piece of hardware and software that connects every electronic part of the satellite together. LIST noted that their technology played a “crucial role” here as the institute’s directly printed sensors are integrated into this interface to monitor the satellite’s condition while it operates in space.
LIST said it is contributing on the other part of the payload with a new type of flexible sensor created using its in-house printing technologies. These sensors are printed directly onto thin surfaces, making them extremely light and easy to adapt to different shapes of spacecraft components.
On the SPiN-2 mission, LIST’s sensors will monitor temperature changes on the satellite, help track how parts of the spacecraft behave during the mission, and how the sensors will survive the extreme conditions of high vacuum, temperature and cosmic radiation in space.
LIST highlighted that this flight marks the first time its printed sensors are tested in space, marking an important step toward proving that these lightweight, adaptable sensors can support future satellites and other high-tech applications.
“This mission is a turning point for us,” said Jérôme Polesel, Technology & Innovation Manager. “Our printed sensors will operate in space, and it shows how far our technology has come. SPiN-2 mission will give us valuable insights and help us prepare for future missions.”
The SPiN-2 mission brings together several leading European actors, including ARCA Dynamics, the Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST), German Orbital Systems GmbH, and SPiN (Space Products and iNnovation GmbH). Supported by the European Space Agency (ESA) through the ScaleUp INVEST Programme and funded by the Luxembourg Space Agency (LSA), LIST said: “SPiN-2 is an example of accelerating commercialisation in the space industry.”
