# Lemu Nge

> Chilean private nano-satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q129522190](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q129522190)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/lemu-nge

## Summary
Lemu Nge is Chile's first private nano-satellite designed for Earth observation. Launched on August 16, 2024, via a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, the satellite is part of a private initiative to monitor Earth's environmental conditions from orbit.

## Key Facts
- **Classification:** Earth observation nano-satellite.
- **Country of Origin:** Chile.
- **Launch Date:** August 16, 2024, at 18:56:00 UTC.
- **Launch Vehicle:** SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5 (Booster B1075.12).
- **Manufacturer:** Kongsberg NanoAvionics.
- **Orbital Altitude:** Apoapsis of 594.4 km and Periapsis of 593.9 km.
- **Orbital Period:** 96.4 minutes.
- **Orbital Inclination:** 97.7 degrees.
- **Identifiers:** SCN 60532; COSPAR ID 2024-149BS.

## FAQs
### Q: What is the primary purpose of Lemu Nge?
A: Lemu Nge is an Earth observation satellite designed to collect data about the planet from orbit. It serves as a private Chilean tool for environmental monitoring and space-based research.

### Q: Who built and launched the Lemu Nge satellite?
A: The satellite was manufactured by Kongsberg NanoAvionics and was launched by SpaceX using a Falcon 9 Block 5 rocket from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4 East.

### Q: What makes Lemu Nge a significant achievement for Chile?
A: It is recognized as the first private satellite developed for the country, marking a shift from government-led space projects to private sector participation in aerospace technology.

## Why It Matters
Lemu Nge represents a milestone in the democratization of space technology for South America, specifically as Chile's first private nano-satellite. Its successful deployment demonstrates the capability of private entities to lead complex aerospace missions that were previously the sole domain of national space agencies. By utilizing a high-precision Earth observation platform, the mission contributes to the global effort of monitoring ecological and environmental changes. The satellite's integration into the SpaceX Falcon 9 launch manifest highlights the growing role of commercial launch providers in enabling small-scale, specialized satellite missions for private organizations.

## Notable For
- **Private Sector Milestone:** Distinguished as the first Chilean satellite funded and managed by a private entity.
- **Precision Orbit:** Maintains a near-circular orbit with a semi-major axis of 6965 km and a 97.7-degree inclination.
- **Advanced Manufacturing:** Produced by Kongsberg NanoAvionics, a specialist in high-performance small satellite buses.
- **Launch Heritage:** Part of the SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5 mission profile, specifically utilizing the B1075.12 booster.

## Body

### Mission Overview and Launch
Lemu Nge was launched into orbit on August 16, 2024. The launch took place at the Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4 East in California. The mission utilized the Falcon 9 Block 5 launch vehicle, specifically the B1075 booster on its 12th flight (B1075.12). The satellite is categorized as an Earth observation satellite, a class of artificial satellites designed to monitor the planet's physical, chemical, and biological systems.

### Technical Specifications
The satellite was manufactured by Kongsberg NanoAvionics. It is identified in international tracking databases by the Satellite Catalog Number (SCN) 60532 and the COSPAR ID 2024-149BS. 
*   **Semi-major axis:** 6965 km
*   **Apoapsis:** 594.4 km
*   **Periapsis:** 593.9 km
*   **Orbital Inclination:** 97.7°
*   **Orbital Period:** 96.4 minutes

### Institutional and Digital Presence
Lemu Nge is a Chilean project, and its mission details are documented in both English and Spanish. The project maintains an official web presence at https://le.mu/. In the Wolfram Language, the entity is recognized under the code `Entity["Satellite", "60532"]`. The mission is cited in academic and journalistic records as a significant event in the Chilean aerospace timeline, representing the country's first private foray into nano-satellite technology.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report
2. [Source](https://www.latercera.com/que-pasa/noticia/sera-lanzado-por-space-x-este-es-lemu-nge-el-primer-satelite-privado-hecho-en-el-pais/6E7F753ILZA4RDK6AG5GJOIWX4/)