21.09.2018

Tartu Observatory is testing the largest spacecraft in their history

A 6-unit CubeSat developed by the Lithuanian company NanoAvionics is being tested this week in the space technology laboratory of UT Tartu Observatory. Such a large spacecraft has not been tested in Estonia before.
Tartu Observatory engineer Mari Allik, who is conducting the tests, stated that the cooperation between the developing space technology company and our laboratory is very important. According to the European Space Agency, our labs are able to provide services that are mostly suitable only for the large space country laboratories. It shows the good communication and synergy between small space countries and also the power to develop complex technology. According to NanoAvionics, they want to support the local space industry, and the UT's labs with the necessary capabilities are closest to them.
NanoAvionics testing their satellite in the UT Tartu Observatory laboratory. Photo: UT Tartu Observatory
The Director of Tartu Observatory Anu Reinart is pleased to note that the University of Tartu has developed into a reliable partner for both the European Space Agency and international companies, and we can provide our knowledge and infrastructure for new product development.
Estonia's first satellite EstCube-1 was developed in Tartu Observatory's laboratories. Today, we are partners in many joint projects with European Space Agency (FRM4SOC, EOImager, ESEO etc.). In these projects new equipment, that will help us understand both space and land, is being developed. For example a new hyperspectral radiometer for measuring the reflectance of the surface (HYPERNETS) and Earth observation cameras for cubic satellites (EOImager).
The space technology, testing and calibration laboratories of UT Tartu Observatory offers services in special electrostatic discharge (ESD) safe areas, cleanroom and anechoic environment. Our laboratories are part of the Testing Centre of University of Tartu, lead the TEST-4-SME network of testing laboratories in the Baltic Sea Region and have joined the ADAPTER network for Estonian research and development organizations.
Additional information: Riho Vendt, tolab [ät] ut.ee