The Research Unit for Space Research and Technologies (RU SRT) monitors developments and trends in new technologies within the space industry, with a primary focus on the satellite development sector. Key aspects include the integration of technological advancement and collaboration with the industry in Serbia, development of projects with international partners, and the creation of new innovative solutions—both scientific and technological—within the domain of the space industry and its applications. The main goal of this RU for the next 3 years is to work on a project called MOSAIC, which concerns the development of the first Serbian scientific satellite of small dimensions (better known as CubeSat, which is a class of nano satellites). The production of satellites here in Serbia will enable the first necessary steps for our country to join the group of 106 countries in the world that already have a developed space program or space agencies. This undertaking is multidisciplinary in nature and requires expertise in several areas:
- Astronomy and mathematics, to determine the orbit of the satellite and all dynamical parameters, as well as the scientific goal of this mission, and development of software for managing the satellite;
- Mechanical engineering, for determining mechanical and thermal characteristics, development and testing instruments, machine assemblies and satellite integration;
- Electrical engineering, for the development and testing of telecommunication, navigation and scientific devices on the satellite part of the system and corresponding ground elements.
Over the next three years (2025–2028), the RU SRT plans to hire at least three more engineers from the aforementioned fields, particularly electrical engineering and software engineering. It is worth noting that in 2024, we already hired two graduate mechanical engineers who, together with the astronomers from the Astronomical Observatory of Belgrade (AOB), form this unit.
As the development of the MOZAIC satellite nears completion, we are simultaneously planning the development of at least one more nanosatellite, for which we will utilize the knowledge and expertise gained from the previous endeavor. Our project partner, the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, University of Belgrade, already has a concept for the next nanosatellite, which could be entirely developed in Serbia.
Due to the increased workload associated with working on multiple satellites in parallel, the plan is to hire an additional three engineers from the mentioned disciplines during the period of 2028–2030.
It is also important to note that both of the mechanical engineers hired in 2024 have agreed to pursue their PhD dissertations in the field of space research, in collaboration with the Astronomical Observatory. In doing so, we are opening, for the first time in Serbia, a completely new field of multidisciplinary scientific research that connects Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Astronomy with Space Research.
The goal of this unit is to have a team of at least 10 highly qualified experts in this field by the end of 2030.
The illustration „CubeSat at a glance“
The illustration "CubeSat at a glance" is divided into four charts and shows what is a CubeSat.
First chart: 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. Graphic shows that a CubeSat can be used alone, or a maximum of 24 CubeSats can be stacked. The size depends on the instruments that CubeSat carries to the orbit.
Second chart: The advantages of a CubeSat are as follows:
- built rapidly (within 24-36 months)
- simple to design
- no space debris generated (they burn up in the atmosphere upon reentry)
- low cost
Third chart: CubeSats are mainly used for 4 types of missions: technology demonstration, scientific research, educational project, and commercial.
Fourth chart: For comparative purposes, a graphic shows the orbits of various objects in the atmosphere and in space. There is an airplane at 10 kilometers above the Earth, a stratospheric balloon between 10 kilometers and 50 kilometers above the Earth, a meteorite at 100 kilometers above the Earth, and the International Space Station and a CubeSat at 400 kilometers above the Earth.
Members and associates:
Members and associates of RU SRT:
- Dr. Milan Stojanović (PI), Astronomical Observatory, research associate
- Prof. Dr. Luka Č. Popović, Astronomical Observatory, principal research fellow
- Dr. Milan Ćirković, Astronomical Observatory, principal research fellow
- B.Sc. Eng. Igor Planjanin, Astronomical Observatory, junior research assistant
- B.Sc. Eng. Marko Gavrilović, Astronomical Observatory, junior research assistant
- Prof. Dr. Dušan Marcheta, Faculty of Mathematics, University of Belgrade
- Prof. Dr. Jelena Svorcan, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, University of Belgrade
- Prof. Dr. Đorđe Čantrak, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, University of Belgrade
- Prof. Dr. Aleksandar Nešković, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Belgrade
- Prof. Dr. Vesna Blagojević, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Belgrade
- M.Sc. Eng. Ivan Kokić, Research and Development Advisor, Institute Mihailo Pupin, Belgrade
- B.Sc. Eng. Igor Stojković, European Space Agency, Principal Engineer (retired)
