Creotech Instruments successfully completes the commissioning phase of the PIAST-M satellite platform

Creotech Instruments S.A., a Polish space mission integrator listed on the Warsaw Stock Exchange, has announced the successful completion of the commissioning phase of the PIAST-M satellite platform. PIAST-M is one of three satellites forming the PIAST (Polish ImAging SaTellites) constellation. The process was finalized on 11 January 2026 and constitutes the second key phase of on-orbit satellite operations, following the Launch and Early Orbit Phase (LEOP).

– The completion of the commissioning phase of the PIAST-M satellite platform marks a breakthrough for us. Under orbital conditions, we confirmed the reliability of our proprietary HyperSat platform and the high competencies of the Creotech team in executing space missions. The PIAST project not only strengthens Poland’s Earth observation capabilities, but also supports the development of science, industry, and innovative technologies in Poland. It is another step toward building independent and sovereign satellite capabilities for our country. I would also like to emphasize that the PIAST mission is the result of cooperation between Creotech Instruments and the Military University of Technology, the project leader, as well as Polish partners and institutions, demonstrating that the Polish space industry is ready to carry out complex satellite missions and develop domestic satellite technology – comments Grzegorz Brona, PhD, CEO of Creotech Instruments S.A.

During the commissioning phase of the HyperSat platform, comprehensive tests of all key satellite systems were conducted. Communication in S-band and X-band was successfully established and tested, enabling data transmission at speeds ranging from 3 to 50 Mbit/s. The satellite’s attitude determination and control system was activated and verified, including control algorithms, reaction wheels, magnetic torquers, and sensor suites such as Sun sensors, magnetometers, and a star-tracking camera.

Tests also covered ground station and Earth-target tracking algorithms, the GPS system, the power subsystem (solar panels, batteries, and power distribution), as well as the thermal control system. The onboard computer was tested, including autonomous task execution, telemetry collection, and remote software update capability.

A key element of the commissioning phase was verification of cooperation with the primary payload – the optical telescope. As part of this process, dozens of images were captured and transmitted to Earth. Experimental systems installed on the satellite were also tested.

The HyperSat satellite platform – on which PIAST-M is based – operates in accordance with design assumptions and is fully functional. Creotech is currently continuing work on the commissioning process of the PIAST-S1 and PIAST-S2 satellite platforms. The company will announce the completion of their commissioning phases in separate communications.

The PIAST project forms part of Poland’s national space capability development program. Its objective is to create a complete, autonomous satellite data acquisition system based on Polish technologies, strengthening the country’s strategic capabilities. The project is led by the Military University of Technology in consortium with Creotech Instruments, the Space Research Centre of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Łukasiewicz Research Network – Institute of Aviation, Scanway S.A., and PCO S.A.

The PIAST project is co-financed by the National Centre for Research and Development under the Szafir program initiated by the Ministry of National Defence.