The first Hungarian astronaut visited the designers of the first Hungarian satellite. The purpose of the discussion — which was characterized by a jovial atmosphere, going into professional details and sometimes recalling memories — was to learn as much as possible about the ISS (or MIR in those times) and about the potential start opportunities of the Russian LEO launch vehicles. The designers introduced MASAT-1 and pointed out that, due to the series of failed starts, it is remarkably difficult to find launch vehicles for the CubeSats. Bertalan Farkas was asked to help to find a start opportunity for MASAT-1 which is to be completed soon. We signed a launch contract in 2009; however, a start featuring the parameters laid down in this contract (Sun synchronous orbit at an altitude of 600 to 800 km, PSLV rocket) is practically not available in 2011. We definitely intend to explore this year’s launch opportunities that fulfill the aims of the project.
