MINI YET MIGHTY

Bigging up the shoebox-sized satellite that can work wonders in space

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HOW big do you think a satellite is? As big as a washing machine? Or a car?

The European Space Agency (ESA) has launched a satellite that is no bigger than a shoebox.

The little device, called Phisat-2 is one of two satellites that have been launched into orbit to help us monitor our environment on Earth.

It lifted off on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from California, monitored by the Svalbard ground station in Norway.

The larger Arctic Weather Satellite will help scientists to monitor and forecast conditions in the northernmost part of the Arctic where it has been difficult to predict the weather.

Phisat-2 measures just 22cm x 10cm x 33cm, and while it may be small, this mini marvel is mighty.