SpaceX Transporter-8 delivers 6 NanoAvionics satellites to orbit
by Staff Writers
Vilnius, Lithuania (SPX) Jun 14, 2023

Kongsberg NanoAvionics recently announced a significant accomplishment in the field of space technology as SpaceX's Transporter-8 mission successfully placed six of its satellites into orbit. Among these, the Tiger-4 stands out, given its key role in bolstering the 5G Narrowband-IoT constellation in low Earth orbit (LEO). This constellation, overseen by telecoms operator OQ Technology, has expanded with Tiger-4, the fourth satellite in this lineup crafted by NanoAvionics.

The second noteworthy satellite, GEI-SAT, owned by Spain-based Satlantis, serves as a pioneering element in the field of "Earth and Universe Observation". Tasked with carrying out atmospheric CH4 measurements, GEI-SAT aims to enhance the spatio-temporal resolution and accuracy of geolocation of source emitters. Its focus lies on monitoring and quantifying methane emissions, specifically within the oil and gas industry. In its mission, NanoAvionics offered its M16P satellite bus and mission integration services.

The mission also involved four additional satellites ordered by three different companies. This included one nanosatellite geared towards a remote sensing mission using radio frequencies, two satellites for technology demonstration purposes, and an MP42H microsatellite designed for an orbital reconnaissance demonstration. This last microsatellite is expected to provide detailed measurements of objects in orbit, aiding in reducing the potential risk of collisions.

All six satellites underwent manufacturing, assembly, integration, and testing at NanoAvionics's MAIT facility in Vilnius, Lithuania. This state-of-the-art establishment caters to the requirements of serial small satellite production for constellations by various commercial, civil, and governmental organizations.

Reflecting on this achievement, Vytenis J. Buzas, founder and CEO of NanoAvionics, commented, "The successful launch of the SpaceX Transporter-8 mission represents the 12th satellite we've manufactured and launched this year. The majority of these satellites were commissioned by our existing customers, an indication of their ongoing trust in our services and capabilities to deliver high-quality and cost-efficient nano- and microsatellites in a timely manner."

Looking ahead, the company has plans to launch over a dozen more satellites for its customers, including the first assembled 100+ kg microsatellite, by the year-end. Related Links
Kongsberg NanoAvionics
Microsat News and Nanosat News at SpaceMart.com