WREN–1 Successfully Operating with the Involvement of Our University
Hungary’s largest domestically developed nanosatellite, WREN–1, is already transmitting its first satellite images. The satellite was launched into Earth orbit in August 2024 by a consortium led by COMBIT IT Co. Ltd., the largest subsidiary of Grepton Zrt. The consortium includes Obuda University, Széchenyi István University, and C3S Ltd. Its primary goal is to support Hungarian agriculture, with a special focus on drought monitoring.
Thanks to the significant development work carried out by Obuda University in cooperation with the consortium partners, the WREN satellite is now operating successfully.
The coordinator and professional leader of the program is Dr. Małgorzata Wojtaszek Verőné, Associate Professor at the Alba Regia Faculty. At the initiative of Prof. Dr. Levente Kovács, Rector of Obuda University, and under the coordination of Dr. habil. György Eigner, a microvibration analysis card was developed and installed on board the satellite, based on the plans of two faculty members from the Kandó Kálmán Faculty of Electrical Engineering: Dr. Sándor Gyányi and Dr. habil. Tibor Wührl. Technical assistance was provided by Tamás Csibrák. (The onboard microvibration analysis data support the processing and enhancement of high-resolution images.)
Following its deployment and several months of technical testing, the satellite has begun regularly transmitting remote sensing data from Hungary. In addition to a multispectral SWIR camera and positioning sensors, a microvibration monitoring unit developed by Obuda University was also installed on board. The project aims to provide forecasts for areas at risk of drought—now more frequent due to global climate change—using continuously updated data. Effective drought monitoring can help mitigate the impact of drought damage.
By integrating data from 116 ground-based measurement stations operated by the General Directorate of Water Management with high-resolution multispectral satellite imagery, a system and technology can be developed that offers greater predictability for agriculture and better support for farmers. Using the capabilities of artificial intelligence, the satellite imagery is processed to provide timely information on soil moisture and vegetation condition, which can signal the need for intervention and also support decision-making in precision farming.
The satellite was completed one and a half years ago, drawing on research using data from currently available satellites, extensive soil sampling at test sites, consultations with developers, and, not least, the efficient cooperation among consortium members.
The development of indices and models for soil moisture estimation is based on years of research, including large numbers of in situ measurements conducted at different times. The cameras were also tested under laboratory conditions, where the reflectance of soil samples with known moisture levels was analyzed. After launch, the first critical task was to establish communication between the satellite and the ground station. The onboard systems must fulfill numerous functions—providing energy, controlling the cameras, taking images of Hungary at regular intervals, storing them, and transmitting them to Earth.
The onboard multispectral camera system is already functioning successfully, capturing images of Hungary’s arable land. Using this data, researchers can create accurate assessments of soil moisture and vegetation health, which are vital for precision agriculture.
WREN–1 is capable of “looking sideways,” allowing it to cover a larger area during a single pass than other satellites in its category. This enables more frequent data collection over target areas. These insights help farmers optimize nutrient management and spraying activities.
Currently, algorithms for the automatic pre-processing of the satellite’s data are being tested—a key requirement for practical application.
Due to poor weather conditions in early 2025, the satellite also captured imagery of other regions of the world, which allowed testing of the pre-processing algorithms to begin earlier than planned. (In Hungary, the weather was unfavorable, so imagery was taken from cloud-free regions elsewhere.)
The satellite operates in a low Earth orbit at an altitude of around 500 kilometers and is expected to function for at least three years, with potential to operate for up to five years under favorable conditions. Data access will be developed in two ways during the project: through a public web interface and a programmable API for external systems. According to the developers’ plans, it will also be possible to program the satellite’s onboard computer from Earth.
WREN–1 is not only a technological achievement but also opens long-term opportunities: a multi-satellite system or participation in European Space Agency programs could usher in a new era for Hungary’s space industry.
The project was implemented with the support of the European Union through a non-refundable grant of HUF 756.55 million and represents a major step toward digital agriculture and sustainable water management.
WREN–1: Three-band color composite (NIRRG; RGB) and vegetation index (NDVI) generated from imagery.
Source: WREN Project
The satellite’s trajectory can be tracked at the following link:
SatNOGS DB - WREN-1
The coordinator and professional leader of the program is Dr. Małgorzata Wojtaszek Verőné, Associate Professor at the Alba Regia Faculty. At the initiative of Prof. Dr. Levente Kovács, Rector of Obuda University, and under the coordination of Dr. habil. György Eigner, a microvibration analysis card was developed and installed on board the satellite, based on the plans of two faculty members from the Kandó Kálmán Faculty of Electrical Engineering: Dr. Sándor Gyányi and Dr. habil. Tibor Wührl. Technical assistance was provided by Tamás Csibrák. (The onboard microvibration analysis data support the processing and enhancement of high-resolution images.)
Following its deployment and several months of technical testing, the satellite has begun regularly transmitting remote sensing data from Hungary. In addition to a multispectral SWIR camera and positioning sensors, a microvibration monitoring unit developed by Obuda University was also installed on board. The project aims to provide forecasts for areas at risk of drought—now more frequent due to global climate change—using continuously updated data. Effective drought monitoring can help mitigate the impact of drought damage.
By integrating data from 116 ground-based measurement stations operated by the General Directorate of Water Management with high-resolution multispectral satellite imagery, a system and technology can be developed that offers greater predictability for agriculture and better support for farmers. Using the capabilities of artificial intelligence, the satellite imagery is processed to provide timely information on soil moisture and vegetation condition, which can signal the need for intervention and also support decision-making in precision farming.
The satellite was completed one and a half years ago, drawing on research using data from currently available satellites, extensive soil sampling at test sites, consultations with developers, and, not least, the efficient cooperation among consortium members.
The development of indices and models for soil moisture estimation is based on years of research, including large numbers of in situ measurements conducted at different times. The cameras were also tested under laboratory conditions, where the reflectance of soil samples with known moisture levels was analyzed. After launch, the first critical task was to establish communication between the satellite and the ground station. The onboard systems must fulfill numerous functions—providing energy, controlling the cameras, taking images of Hungary at regular intervals, storing them, and transmitting them to Earth.
The onboard multispectral camera system is already functioning successfully, capturing images of Hungary’s arable land. Using this data, researchers can create accurate assessments of soil moisture and vegetation health, which are vital for precision agriculture.
WREN–1 is capable of “looking sideways,” allowing it to cover a larger area during a single pass than other satellites in its category. This enables more frequent data collection over target areas. These insights help farmers optimize nutrient management and spraying activities.
Currently, algorithms for the automatic pre-processing of the satellite’s data are being tested—a key requirement for practical application.
Due to poor weather conditions in early 2025, the satellite also captured imagery of other regions of the world, which allowed testing of the pre-processing algorithms to begin earlier than planned. (In Hungary, the weather was unfavorable, so imagery was taken from cloud-free regions elsewhere.)
The satellite operates in a low Earth orbit at an altitude of around 500 kilometers and is expected to function for at least three years, with potential to operate for up to five years under favorable conditions. Data access will be developed in two ways during the project: through a public web interface and a programmable API for external systems. According to the developers’ plans, it will also be possible to program the satellite’s onboard computer from Earth.
WREN–1 is not only a technological achievement but also opens long-term opportunities: a multi-satellite system or participation in European Space Agency programs could usher in a new era for Hungary’s space industry.
The project was implemented with the support of the European Union through a non-refundable grant of HUF 756.55 million and represents a major step toward digital agriculture and sustainable water management.
WREN–1: Three-band color composite (NIRRG; RGB) and vegetation index (NDVI) generated from imagery.
Source: WREN Project
The satellite’s trajectory can be tracked at the following link:
SatNOGS DB - WREN-1
