Military University of Technology (WAT): PIAST project

Equipped with a 3.9-meter Legion400 antenna and four operator consoles powered by the Terma Ground Segment Suite (TGSS ), the center is control Poland’s first military nanosatellites. The facility will also serve as a training environment for students and engineers preparing to operate future national missions.

The new ground segment at WAT was developed through cooperation between Polish and European technology partners. It was created under the PIAST (Polish Imaging Satellites) project, funded by the National Centre for Research and Development (NCBR). The Project aimed at boosting national innovation and ensuring technological independence in critical areas.
This collaboration between WAT, Terma, and other European companies has been recognized with the Collaboration of the Year Award at SSGS 2025, honoring the project’s strong partnership and contribution to advancing Poland’s space sector.

Proven Mission Control Technology

Terma supplied WAT with the full Ground Segment Suite, a complete set of systems covering every phase of mission operations.
The delivery includes:

• CCS5 for monitoring and control 
• ORBIT for flight dynamics activities  
• PLAN for mission planning and scheduling
• TRACK for 2D and 3D visualization

Together, these tools form the foundation for WAT’s mission control capability. They allow operators to monitor spacecraft health, plan activities, and visualize trajectories through intuitive interfaces designed for reliability and precision.

The full system was delivered within 36 weeks and is now ready for operational use. 

One thing the WAT team recognized as a game-changing capability is the system's flexibility and configurability. In satellite operations, mission requirements often change. Having a ground segment that can be rapidly configured for new satellites ensures scalability and long-term efficiency.

Integration and Collaboration

The cooperation between WAT and Terma extended beyond software delivery. Terma supported the university in integrating WAT’s internal Customer Portal with PLAN’s interfaces for  external user, to deliver observation request. This integration streamlined planning and task coordination, reducing manual work and improving workflow transparency.

In parallel, the CCS5 system was connected with WAT’s data archive to enable secure storage and distribution of mission data. The setup ensures that information from each satellite pass can be accessed quickly and shared with authorized users while maintaining strict data security standards.

WAT highlighted the collaboration with Terma as an example of genuine partnership and marked by open communication, shared expertise, and strong technical support throughout all project stages.

Prepared for Future Missions

The modular design of TGSS allows WAT to adapt the system for upcoming satellite programs without significant reconfiguration. This flexibility means that future missions can be integrated rapidly, keeping costs under control while maintaining operational consistency.

Through its cooperation with Terma, WAT has achieved:

• A fully operational Mission Control Center ready to manage space missions
• Integrated planning and control systems supporting efficient operations
• Secure data management ensuring reliable access and protection
• Reduced operational costs through flexible software configuration
• A training platform for Poland’s next generation of space engineers

A Step Forward for Poland’s Space Industry

By combining national expertise with proven European technology, WAT now operates Poland’s advanced mission control facilities. It not only supports the country’s first nanosatellites but also builds the foundation for future constellations and expanded participation in European space initiatives. 
The Mission Control Center has already attracted interest from commercial satellite operators. This growing attention reflects the reliability of the infrastructure and its potential as a shared resource for both defense and commercial applications.