The first satellite designed and built in the Grand Duchy, VesselSat1 was launched on 12th October from an Indian launch site. The machine was produced by LuxSpace Sarl, an affillitate of OHB AG. The 28kg satellite carries an automatic identification system used for monitoring shipping. It will join the ORBCOMM Next Generation system after being tested and checked out with a second satellite to be launched next year with the same application.