Actualidad

The first two satellites developed by Lithuanian scientists will be launched into space this autumn. The United States’ National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) will place the first of two satellites – the "LitSat-1” created by a joint team from Kaunas Technology University (KTU) and the Space Sciences and Technology Institute in Vilnius – into orbit after final preparations.

The satellite is now undergoing additional testing. We must ensure the satellite passes vibration tests because during the launch phase there can be excessive vibration. When all components are assembled, the satellite will be delivered to NASA,” stated Algis Karpavičius, a KTU student.

The goal of these satellites is to create a Lithuanian platform to develop domestically-designed satellites which conduct experiments.  After ensuring all components operated smoothly after the first flights, the scientists will test a Lithuanian-developed piezoelectric guidance system.

The technology is a novel concept, and if successful will facilitate the control of small satellites in space and significantly reduce production costs.  This system is based on the piezoelectric engine which can transform the high-frequency vibrations of flight into a smoother rotational motion. The idea piqued the interest of NASA.

"It is nice to know that our experiments are important to NASA and that the piezo-response testing can change the world by reducing the costs of satellite manufacturing while increasing efficiency," said Kaunas Technology University and Business Innovation Centre Director Almantas Danilevicius.

Following the launch of LitSat-1, NASA’s Space X rocket will carry the Lituanica Sat-1 satellite developed by a team of more than 30 different specialists, supported by dozens of Lithuanian organizations and companies. The satellite will fly in earth’s orbit for more than six months, 400 kilometres above the earth’s surface at 8/km per second.

Source: lrt.lt