The Astronomical Observatory in Belgrade is developing Serbia's first nanosatellite with China's support as the two countries strengthen space cooperation.
For almost a century, astronomers at the Belgrade observatory have explored the universe through a telescope. Now, with a technological quantum leap for them, scientists of this observatory are working on the MOSAIC satellite project. Chinese partners are providing technical expertise, launch support, and the satellite platform itself.
The satellite is set to be launched by the end of 2027, with one of its primary tasks to be monitoring X-ray radiation from the Sun.
Speaking to a CGTN reporter, an astronomer at the observatory offered a glimpse into the satellite's critical components.
"I will show you quickly on this spectrometer. Here we have a pre-amplifier. This is this part, but this is the detector for X-rays. This is an extremely sensitive part of the instrument and should not be touched by hand," said Dr. Milan Stojanovic at the Astronomical Observatory in Belgrade, who leads the Serbian team of the MOSAIC project, while showcasing a spectrometer.
Researchers also plan to capture the first image of Serbia taken from a Serbian satellite in orbit.
The Serbian side originally planned a smaller three-unit CubeSat, a class of small satellites.
"But after our collaboration with Chinese colleagues, we discussed about it to have eight units of CubeSat. So it is, I have to say, a big step to form a space agency in Serbia and also very important to use the experience that China has," said Luka Popovic, director of the Astronomical Observatory in Belgrade.
Projects like MOSAIC are attracting growing attention in Serbia, not only within the scientific community, but also among technology startups and students who increasingly see the space sector as a future development opportunity for them and the country.
Serbian officials say the mission could become the nucleus for a domestic space-orientated industry, with future plans for a ground communication and satellite control center. Plans also include building a future ground communication and satellite control center in Serbia.
"The Chinese government decided to help us to get the knowledge that we needed so that we can develop our own space program and space projects. Space is not reserved only for the large countries, and the Chinese side, when they offered us a collaboration, they told us that any country that has space ambitions can be part of that large family," said Zoran Tomic, advisor to the minister of science, technological development and innovations.
Serbia developing country's first nanosatellite with China's support
