SGAC Lithuania

National Points of Contact Lithuania

There is a popular joke saying that Lithuanians learned how to fly before they learned walking. It is not only true that we love to fly but also that we want to explore the far reaches of the universe as well. The beginning of the space age in Lithuania is marked by the foundation of Molėtai Astronomical Observatory in 1969 which for many years served as a main tool for astrophysical research using multicolor stellar photometry. Many Lithuanian scientists and engineers were also involved in the space program of the Soviet Union, especially the Energia-Buran space shuttle project. A totally new page has been opened in Lithuanian space history in the year 2010 when the cooperation agreement between the Government of Lithuania and the ESA was signed. A new and promising future is waiting for the next youth generation of Lithuania. There is much to be done, so join us now!

Currently there are no appointed NPoCs, but for more information please contact the Regional Coordinators for Europe.

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Young Space Activities Overview in Lithuania

In January 2014, the first Lithuanian satellites LituanicaSAT-1 and LitSat-1 were launched into space. The creators of the satellites have dedicated their missions to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the flight of the legendary pilots S. Darius and S. Girėnas across the Atlantic Ocean. This historical event had an important symbolic meaning, and open possibilities for unique space experiments, promoting development of high technologies in Lithuania. Work on the next Lithuanian satellite mission called “LituanicaSAT-2” is ongoing in a project led by Vilnius University with core team members coming from “LituanicaSAT-1”. The primary mission objective is to participate in the international scientific mission called “QB50”.

In 2014, Lithuania’s Minister of Economy signed an agreement of a European Cooperating State with the European Space Agency (ESA). Lithuania was invited to sign the agreement and join ESA programs after ESA experts carried out a technological audit of Lithuania’s research and business potential in the space field in February 2013. The experts found that Lithuania boasts a rather strong potential in natural sciences, biotechnologies, information technologies, microelectronics and optoelectronics, mechatronics, laser science and technologies, as well as other areas.

Also in 2014, The Lithuanian Science, Innovation and Technology Agency (MITA) and NASA signed a bilateral cooperation agreement for an international internship programme. The agreement will facilitate Lithuanian students to work in NASA’s research centre, see NASA facilities and resources, and cooperate with scientists and engineers, while NASA will have a possibility to acquire ownership of the inventions by Lithuanian students involved in this programme.

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