Kongsberg NanoAvionics Redefines Small Satellite Innovation

Kongsberg NanoAvionics Redefines Small Satellite Innovation

Founded in 2014 and headquartered in Vilnius, Lithuania, NanoAvionics is a leading small satellite mission integrator and manufacturer. The company specializes in nanosatellite and microsatellite buses, offering end-to-end mission services that cater to commercial, scientific, and defense applications. With a mission to make space accessible and affordable, NanoAvionics has established partnerships with prominent organizations, including NASA, ESA, and private space firms.

Technology & Innovation


NanoAvionics is at the forefront of small satellite technology, leveraging cutting-edge advancements to deliver reliable and cost-effective solutions. The company has fully standardized its nano- and microsatellite buses, significantly reducing manufacturing complexity and costs while improving reliability. This standardization allows for faster mission launches, with lead times starting at just four months.

One of NanoAvionics' standout innovations is its modular satellite architecture, which supports customization while maintaining high performance and reliability. The company also integrates advanced propulsion systems, including non-toxic monopropellants, to enhance satellite maneuverability and mission longevity. NanoAvionics' in-house research and development efforts have resulted in groundbreaking technologies, such as radiation-tolerant electronics and fault-tolerant satellite systems, ensuring optimal performance in harsh space environments.

Products & Services


NanoAvionics offers a comprehensive range of products and services tailored to meet the diverse needs of the space and satellite industry. The company provides nanosatellite buses, including the M6P (6U), M12P (12U), and M16P (16U) platforms, which are designed for IoT communication, Earth observation, and scientific research missions. These buses are known for their compact design, high reliability, and cost-efficiency, making them ideal for small satellite missions.

For larger payloads, NanoAvionics offers the MP42D-24-Light microsatellite bus, which is designed for demanding space applications. This platform supports payloads of up to 100 kg and features a 24-inch ESPA-class separation ring for orbital deployment. The MP42D-24-Light bus is equipped with optional propulsion systems to perform high total impulse maneuvers, such as orbit synchronization and atmospheric drag compensation, extending the satellite's orbital lifetime and adapting to changing mission objectives. Its modular design allows for seamless payload integration, ensuring reliability and adaptability for diverse missions.

In addition to satellite buses, NanoAvionics provides mission integration services, including payload integration, launch provision, and satellite operations. The company also offers propulsion systems, such as chemical propulsion units, which enhance satellite maneuverability and extend mission lifespans. These solutions are designed to benefit satellite operators, researchers, and commercial enterprises by reducing costs and improving mission efficiency.

Among its major products, the M6P-Max Nanosatellite Bus is a next-generation platform supporting larger payloads while maintaining a compact and efficient design. It is tailored for missions requiring advanced IoT communication, Earth observation, and other scientific operations. The MP42D-24-Light Microsatellite Bus remains a flagship solution, ideal for versatile high-performance missions with payloads up to 100 kg. These products exemplify NanoAvionics' focus on innovation, scalability, and cost-effectiveness.

Recent Developments & Achievements

NanoAvionics has been making significant strides in the satellite industry, marked by its recent €122.5 million contract to build 280 satellites for Meridian Space's global broadband constellation. This ambitious project, in collaboration with SpinLaunch, aims to deliver a low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite communication network that will provide high-speed, secure, and flexible broadband services to enterprise users worldwide. The initial batch of 280 satellites is just the beginning, as the constellation is expected to grow to at least 1,200 satellites in the future.

To meet the demands of this large-scale project, NanoAvionics is ramping up its production capabilities by expanding its assembly and testing facilities at its European headquarters in Vilnius, Lithuania. This expansion underscores the company's commitment to scaling its operations and delivering high-quality satellite solutions on time. The partnership with SpinLaunch also includes the development of two prototype satellites, one of which will serve as an in-orbit demonstrator scheduled for 2026. These prototypes are designed to optimize performance and launch efficiency, showcasing NanoAvionics' expertise in modular and scalable satellite systems.

Additionally, NanoAvionics' parent company, Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, has invested $12 million into the firm's LEO communications initiative. This investment highlights the confidence in NanoAvionics' ability to deliver groundbreaking satellite solutions and further solidifies its position as a leader in the NewSpace industry. The Meridian Space constellation, supported by NanoAvionics' advanced satellite designs, is set to revolutionize satellite-based broadband services, offering terabits-per-second capacity and uninterrupted global connectivity.

Future Prospects & Industry Impact


Looking ahead, NanoAvionics aims to play a pivotal role in the evolution of the NewSpace industry. The company is focused on expanding its satellite constellations, enhancing its propulsion technologies, and supporting next-generation space missions. With its innovative approach and strong industry partnerships, NanoAvionics is well-positioned to shape the future of space exploration and satellite technology.

NanoAvionics is paving the way for a new era in satellite technology, combining innovation, efficiency, and adaptability to meet the evolving demands of the space industry. With its advanced solutions and commitment to excellence, the company is poised to remain a cornerstone in shaping the future of space exploration.

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GNSS Constellations - A list of all GNSS satellites by constellations

beidou

Satellite NameOrbit Date
BeiDou-3 G4Geostationary Orbit (GEO)17 May, 2023
BeiDou-3 G2Geostationary Orbit (GEO)09 Mar, 2020
Compass-IGSO7Inclined Geosynchronous Orbit (IGSO)09 Feb, 2020
BeiDou-3 M19Medium Earth Orbit (MEO)16 Dec, 2019
BeiDou-3 M20Medium Earth Orbit (MEO)16 Dec, 2019
BeiDou-3 M21Medium Earth Orbit (MEO)23 Nov, 2019
BeiDou-3 M22Medium Earth Orbit (MEO)23 Nov, 2019
BeiDou-3 I3Inclined Geosynchronous Orbit (IGSO)04 Nov, 2019
BeiDou-3 M23Medium Earth Orbit (MEO)22 Sep, 2019
BeiDou-3 M24Medium Earth Orbit (MEO)22 Sep, 2019

galileo

Satellite NameOrbit Date
GSAT0223MEO - Near-Circular05 Dec, 2021
GSAT0224MEO - Near-Circular05 Dec, 2021
GSAT0219MEO - Near-Circular25 Jul, 2018
GSAT0220MEO - Near-Circular25 Jul, 2018
GSAT0221MEO - Near-Circular25 Jul, 2018
GSAT0222MEO - Near-Circular25 Jul, 2018
GSAT0215MEO - Near-Circular12 Dec, 2017
GSAT0216MEO - Near-Circular12 Dec, 2017
GSAT0217MEO - Near-Circular12 Dec, 2017
GSAT0218MEO - Near-Circular12 Dec, 2017

glonass

Satellite NameOrbit Date
Kosmos 2569--07 Aug, 2023
Kosmos 2564--28 Nov, 2022
Kosmos 2559--10 Oct, 2022
Kosmos 2557--07 Jul, 2022
Kosmos 2547--25 Oct, 2020
Kosmos 2545--16 Mar, 2020
Kosmos 2544--11 Dec, 2019
Kosmos 2534--27 May, 2019
Kosmos 2529--03 Nov, 2018
Kosmos 2527--16 Jun, 2018

gps

Satellite NameOrbit Date
Navstar 82Medium Earth Orbit19 Jan, 2023
Navstar 81Medium Earth Orbit17 Jun, 2021
Navstar 78Medium Earth Orbit22 Aug, 2019
Navstar 77Medium Earth Orbit23 Dec, 2018
Navstar 76Medium Earth Orbit05 Feb, 2016
Navstar 75Medium Earth Orbit31 Oct, 2015
Navstar 74Medium Earth Orbit15 Jul, 2015
Navstar 73Medium Earth Orbit25 Mar, 2015
Navstar 72Medium Earth Orbit29 Oct, 2014
Navstar 71Medium Earth Orbit02 Aug, 2014

irnss

Satellite NameOrbit Date
NVS-01Geostationary Orbit (GEO)29 May, 2023
IRNSS-1IInclined Geosynchronous Orbit (IGSO)12 Apr, 2018
IRNSS-1HSub Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (Sub-GTO)31 Aug, 2017
IRNSS-1GGeostationary Orbit (GEO)28 Apr, 2016
IRNSS-1FGeostationary Orbit (GEO)10 Mar, 2016
IRNSS-1EGeosynchronous Orbit (IGSO)20 Jan, 2016
IRNSS-1DInclined Geosynchronous Orbit (IGSO)28 Mar, 2015
IRNSS-1CGeostationary Orbit (GEO)16 Oct, 2014
IRNSS-1BInclined Geosynchronous Orbit (IGSO)04 Apr, 2014
IRNSS-1AInclined Geosynchronous Orbit (IGSO)01 Jul, 2013
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