IT ALL STARTS WITH A CUBE

A CubeSat is a miniature satellite that can be made of one or more units, where one unit is cube-shaped satellite. CubeSat belongs to the group called nano satellites (all satellites smaller than 10 kg). The dimensions of a CubeSat are illustrated. It is 10 centimeters on each side, making it similar in size to a Rubik's cube. The size depends on the instruments that CubeSat carries to the orbit. CubeSats are mainly used for 4 types of missions: technology demonstration, scientific research, educational project, and commercial.

MOSAIC is the first Serbian scientific cube satellite with very ambitious technological, scientific and educational goals. The project is being developed by experts from Astronomical Observatory of Belgrade, Institute of Mihailo Pupin, and three Faculties from University of Belgrade: Mathematics, Mechanical Engineering and Electrical Engineering, in cooperation with experts from eminent institutions in the space sector. The most important goal of the MOSAIC project is to esstablish the foundation for the sustainable development of space projects in Serbia. MOSAIC will enable mastering of basic space technologies and will provide essential support for the development of a future space agency.

ADVANTAGES

BUILT RAPIDLY
SIMPLE TECHNOLOGY
SIMPLE TO DESIGN
NO SPACE DEBRIS
LOW COST

FIRST OBJECTIVE

Mastering the basic space technologies.

MOSAIC will include technologies such as a sophisticated satellite positioning and control system, GPS, deployable solar panels, satellite and ground segment communications at different frequencies, as well as component integration and system testing processes. Acquiring special knowledge (know-how) about the development and implementation of these technologies and skills will lay the foundation for the sustainable development of space projects in Serbia, development of more complex projects in the future, the establishment of cooperation with colleagues from technologically advanced countries.

SECOND OBJECTIVE

Conducting the first scientific experiments in space by Serbian experts.

MOSAIC will be in orbit during the next maximum of the eleven-year solar cycle, which is expected in mid-2026. Observation of the Sun, especially at high energies, during the period of its intense activity is of great scientific importance. MOSAIC will conduct observations in the so-called soft X-band, which cannot be observed from Earth, and will significantly contribute to efforts to better understand the scientific phenomena associated with this radiation. MOSAIC will have a very precise system for determining its location and orientation in space. The use of highly sophisticated numerical models of aerodynamic coefficients, as well as robust trajectory propagators, will enable a significant improvement of the aerodynamic characterization of cube-satellites. This is especially important during periods of intense solar activity when the lifetime of LEO satellites is significantly shorter. Optimization of the satellite orientation control algorithm will be developed to maximize the time spent in orbit as well as the amount of scientific data. In this way, MOSAIC will make a significant contribution to future CubeSat projects around the planet.

THIRD OBJECTIVE

Getting the first photographs of Serbia from space.

Earth observation is one of the most important goals of cube-satellites and space missions in general. MOSAIC will send the first domestic photos of Serbia from space in high resolution. This specific objective of the mission will allow gaining the necessary experience in observing our planet from space. This experience will be valuable for the development of missions that will enable the monitoring of important processes for our country, such as changes in the habitat of endemic species, the health and size of the forest cover, etc.