NanoAvionics, a Vilnius University aerospace spin-off company founded in 2014, is preparing for the launch of LituanicaSAT-2, the second Lithuanian satellite that will test a new Lithuanian-made propulsion system among other objectives, in April. They also completed their first major orders last year and introduced several new products to the small satellite market, so the future looks promising for this Vilnius-based startup.

Linas Sargautis, NanoAvionics’ Chief Commercial Officer, says the launch of LituanicaSAT-2 is currently on company’s radar: the satellite is going to be launched in India, in collaboration with ISRO – Indian Space Research Organisation. The satellite is intended for European Commission program QB50 during which 49 other satellites will be launched. All of them will perform researches of Earth’s atmosphere. Two missions are set for LituanicaSAT-2 in space: the first is to accomplish the molecular oxygen measurements within the lower thermosphere, while the second is to test a novel propulsion system fuelled by non-toxic ‘green’ monopropellant based on ammonium dinitramide (ADN) blend developed by NanoAvionics.

“The second mission is significant for all space community because there are no efficient and widely implemented propulsion system intended for small satellites. It is expected that this kind of propulsion would open new prospects for small satellites market prolonging satellite lifetime up to 6 times and ensuring precise positioning of the satellite in space,” L. Sargautis says.

He also admits that last year brought some challenges and priceless experience to NanoAvionics. For instance, the company completed the first big orders which provided exceptional lessons.

“We are glad that our company managed to deliver the orders on time, successfully and fully satisfied the clients. Such orders make you learn a lot, help to identify limitations and imperfections which lead to improvements of processes and management. We also introduced several new products to small satellite market and now have a full range of small satellite components. The most important new product is a fully developed satellite platform. It is special because this platform is sold to client fully prepared for the launch and the client needs only to connect his payload. It is also unique in the market for the largest available space for useful payload and attractive price. First of NanoAvionics platforms have already reached their owners,” NanoAvionics’ CCO explains.

Company’s team often visits international conferences, exhibitions and shows in order to make connections and grow company’s network. Reputation and recommendations are of exceptional value in their market, L. Sargautis suggests. Therefore it is very important to meet potential partners and clients eye to eye in order to gain trust and acceptance.

Also, L. Sargautis believes some interesting trends are emerging in small satellites market today.

“We can observe an emerging trend of commercial services provided by small satellites and their implementation in business operations. Small satellites become more advanced and more affordable thanks to new technologies. Therefore, the interest for their implementation is growing. Following these foresights we also reconsider our long term goals and strategy. We are looking for particular partners to work with. We have an ambition to become a company among the leaders in the world. Thus, we work hard to build our international connections, team and improve our infrastructure. We think that we have everything we need to become who we want. So, now we only have to work and be persistent,” says L. Sargautis.

About NanoAvionics

NanoAvionics was founded in 2014 as a spin-off company of Vilnius University. Founders of the company were the creators of the first Lithuanian satellite LituanicaSAT-1. The motivation to found the company was to commercialise the technologies and space experience gained throughout the mission. LituanicaSAT-1 team faced some common challenges that they decided to solve and introduce to small satellites market.

NanoAvionics has received investments from Agency for Science, Innovation and Technology of Lithuania, Vilnius University, VC fund Practica Capital, Council of Science of Lithuania and European Commission.  The founders of NanoAvionics are Vytenis Buzas, Linas Sargautis and Laurynas Mačiulis.

Company’s team has already implemented several successful small satellite missions including the first Lithuanian CubeSat mission LituanicaSAT-1 and the new generation small satellite LituanicaSAT-2 mission for European “QB50” project. NanoAvionics’ small satellite solutions outstand with higher reliability and functionality at the same time providing more volume for payload on-board the spacecraft. Company also offers new plug-and-play approach offering highly integrated products to save development time and costs for customers. Product range consists of components and subsystems such as complete integral satellite buses, communication systems, on-board computers, attitude determination and control systems, power supply systems, structural and deployable elements.