Today, at 03:44 AM, the “TUMnanoSAT” satellite, built by the Technical University of Moldova, was launched into outer space. The satellite was transported to the International Space Station by the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.
This is the 25th International Space Station resupply mission operated by SpaceX, under the 2nd Commercial Resupply Services mission with NASA. Cargo Dragon-2 (the useful load of the mission) brings supplies and various equipment, including materials to directly support the scientific investigations and research of astronauts aboard the ISS.
The Dragon cargo also transported the J-SSOD launch capsule of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), carrying the “TUMnanoSAT” nanosatellite to the ISS, from where astronauts will transfer it to the Japanese Kibo module. According to a standard procedure, it will be placed into orbit using a robotic arm in the first half of August, as planned by JAXA.
The launch of “TUMnanoSAT” is the first spaceflight experience for the Republic of Moldova under the international cooperation of JAXA-UNOOSA. “Our international partners – JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) and the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) – will launch the satellite into its final orbit as a means to help Moldovan researchers to advance in their space exploration activity”, stated NASA.
We remind you that, between June and August, 2021, the satellite from Moldova passed all the functional tests at the Institute of Space Sciences in Romania, according to the specifications of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency. Subsequently, in March, the machine was carried to Japan, where it was included in the J-SSOD launch capsule, and in April, it was transported to NASA and included in Cargo Dragon-2.
The procedure is carried out within an international program. The Technical University of Moldova was selected by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) for the KiboCUBE Program and the free launch into orbit of the “TUMnanoSAT” nanosatellite from the International Space Station.
