# LacunaSat-3
**Wikidata**: [Q108146700](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q108146700)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/lacunasat-3

## Summary
LacunaSat-3 is a Lithuanian CubeSat designed by Kongsberg NanoAvionics and launched on September 28, 2020, aboard a Soyuz-2.1b rocket from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome. It represents Lithuania's contribution to the growing field of small satellite technology and scientific research in space.

## Key Facts
- LacunaSat-3 is a CubeSat, which are miniaturized satellites composed of 10cm-sided cubic modules
- It was designed by Kongsberg NanoAvionics
- The satellite belongs to Lithuania
- It has a COSPAR ID of 2020-068G
- It was launched on September 28, 2020
- The launch occurred from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome
- It was launched aboard a Soyuz-2.1b rocket
- The satellite has a SCN number of 46492
- It has sitelink count of 1
- It has Wikipedia entries in Latvian (lv) language

## FAQs
### Q: What is LacunaSat-3 and what type of satellite is it?
A: LacunaSat-3 is a Lithuanian CubeSat designed by Kongsberg NanoAvionics. It's a small satellite built from standardized 10cm cubic modules, representing Lithuania's entry into the small satellite space technology sector.

### Q: When and where was LacunaSat-3 launched?
A: LacunaSat-3 was launched on September 28, 2020, from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome in Russia aboard a Soyuz-2.1b rocket.

### Q: What is the significance of LacunaSat-3's COSPAR ID?
A: The COSPAR ID 2020-068G serves as an international designation for LacunaSat-3 in the official satellite registry, allowing it to be tracked and referenced in scientific communications and publications.

### Q: What organization designed LacunaSat-3?
A: LacunaSat-3 was designed by Kongsberg NanoAvionics, a company specializing in nano-satellite technology and small satellite solutions.

### Q: What technical standards does LacunaSat-3 follow?
A: As a CubeSat, LacunaSat-3 adheres to the international CubeSat standard, which uses 10cm cubic modules as building blocks, allowing for standardized deployment and compatibility with various launch vehicles.

## Why It Matters
LacunaSat-3 matters as it represents Lithuania's active participation in the small satellite revolution, expanding the country's capabilities in space technology and research. CubeSats like LacunaSat-3 have democratized access to space, allowing smaller nations and organizations to conduct scientific experiments at a fraction of the cost of traditional satellites. By successfully launching this satellite, Lithuania has gained valuable experience in satellite design, development, and operations, positioning itself to contribute to future space missions and potentially joining international collaborations. LacunaSat-3 also demonstrates the growing trend of commercial space technology development through partnerships between academic institutions and specialized companies like Kongsberg NanoAvionics.

## Notable For
- Being a Lithuanian CubeSat, representing the country's entry into small satellite technology
- Designed by Kongsberg NanoAvionics, showcasing the company's expertise in nano-satellite systems
- Launched aboard a Soyuz-2.1b rocket from Plesetsk Cosmodrome, using proven launch infrastructure
- Having a unique COSPAR designation (2020-068G) in the international satellite registry
- Standardized as a CubeSat following the 10cm cubic module specifications for interoperability

## Body
### Technical Specifications
LacunaSat-3 is classified as a CubeSat, a type of nanosatellite that follows the international CubeSat standard with 10cm cubic modules as building blocks. It carries the SCN number 46492 and has the COSPAR ID 2020-068G. The satellite was designed specifically by Kongsberg NanoAvionics, a company specializing in nano-satellite technology solutions.

### Development and National Context
As a Lithuanian satellite, LacunaSat-3 represents the country's growing capabilities in space technology and research. It was developed through partnership with Kongsberg NanoAvionics, bringing commercial expertise to the project while serving Lithuania's strategic interests in space exploration and technological development.

### Launch Details
LacunaSat-3 was launched on September 28, 2020, from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome in Russia. The deployment utilized a Soyuz-2.1b launch vehicle, a modern version of the reliable Soyuz rocket family. This launch marked an important milestone for Lithuania's space program, successfully placing their satellite into orbit.

### International Recognition
The satellite has been assigned the COSPAR ID 2020-068G, which is used internationally to identify and track space objects. It has been documented with one sitelink and has been recognized in Latvian Wikipedia, indicating cross-border interest and documentation in the Baltic region.

### Future Implications
LacunaSat-3 serves as a foundation for Lithuania's future space endeavors, potentially enabling the country to participate in more complex missions and contribute to international space research initiatives. The project demonstrates how smaller nations can leverage standardized CubeSat technology to achieve space presence with relatively modest investment.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report