Meet the team behind Ireland’s first satellite which is due to launch into space on Friday

(Left to right) Members of the EIRSAT-1 team Aaron Empey, Laura Cotter, Dr Ronan Wall and Jack Reilly. Photo: Gareth Chaney/ Collins Photos

Despite “devastating” setbacks, Ireland’s first satellite is due to launch into space on Friday evening, and will hopefully mark the beginning of a new space age for Ireland, according to those involved.

EIRSAT-1 was initially due to launch from the European Space Agency’s (ESA) launch site in French Guiana at the beginning of this year, however mechanical issues with its transporting rocket hampered plans.