NanoAvionics
Lithuanian small-satellite manufacturer and mission integrator supplying standardized satellite buses, subsystems, propulsion, and end-to-end mission services.
Last updated October 30, 2026
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Overview
NanoAvionics is a Lithuanian space company that manufactures small-satellite buses and integrates commercial, scientific, and technology-demonstration missions. Established in 2014 as a spin-off from Vilnius University, the company developed in response to the growing demand for standardized spacecraft that could be designed, assembled, tested, and launched more quickly than traditional bespoke satellites. Its work spans the complete mission lifecycle: mission architecture and design, spacecraft engineering, payload accommodation, hardware assembly, system integration, environmental and functional testing, launch preparation, and in-orbit operations support. The company’s principal products are modular satellite platforms designed around common CubeSat and microsatellite form factors. Its multipurpose M-series buses include the M3P, M6P, M12P, and M16P platforms, corresponding broadly to 3U, 6U, 12U, and 16U CubeSat configurations. These buses combine avionics, communications, power systems, onboard computing, attitude determination and control, structural elements, and solar-panel options into configurable products. For larger spacecraft, NanoAvionics offers the MP42 microsatellite bus, which can support spacecraft of up to approximately 115 kilograms. The company also develops modular chemical propulsion systems and other spacecraft subsystems intended to improve maneuverability, mission lifetime, and operational flexibility. NanoAvionics has supplied spacecraft for Internet of Things and machine-to-machine communications, Earth observation, maritime and radio-frequency monitoring, scientific research, hyperspectral and thermal imaging, technology demonstrations, quantum communications, and space situational awareness. Examples include satellites for Lacuna Space, OQ Technology, the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority, NTNU, Lemu, Constellr, the Taiwan Space Agency, Turion Space, and other institutional and commercial customers. Its missions have flown on a range of rideshare and dedicated launch opportunities, including SpaceX Transporter missions, Indian PSLV launches, Soyuz, Vega, and other launch vehicles. The company’s ownership changed significantly during its development. AST & Science acquired a controlling interest in 2018, with AST & Science chief executive Abel Avellan becoming chairman of NanoAvionics’ board. In 2022, Norway’s Kongsberg Gruppen acquired 77 percent of the company; AST & Science exited its investment and NanoAvionics management retained the remaining 23 percent. NanoAvionics consequently became part of the Kongsberg industrial and defence-related space portfolio while continuing to operate as a specialist small-spacecraft manufacturer and mission integrator. Reference material describes a core engineering team associated with more than 150 successful commercial missions and customers in more than 50 countries. Exact current employee, revenue, and launch totals are not specified here.
History
NanoAvionics originated in Lithuania as a spin-off from Vilnius University and was established in 2014. Its early development was closely connected with the emergence of the European small-satellite sector, in which universities, research groups, governments, and commercial operators increasingly sought lower-cost spacecraft based on repeatable designs. The company’s early engineering work included Lithuanian satellite projects and the development of standardized spacecraft modules intended to make mission design and production more systematic. One early project was LituanicaSAT-2, developed for Vilnius University as part of the European QB50 research initiative coordinated by the Von Karman Institute for Fluid Dynamics. The spacecraft combined a scientific unit carrying the FIPEX experiment, a functional unit incorporating NanoAvionics command and service capabilities and power equipment, and an experimental unit featuring a green-propellant propulsion system. This work illustrated the company’s intended role as both a platform supplier and a mission-development partner. NanoAvionics subsequently broadened its offering beyond basic CubeSat structures. The company developed integrated communications, onboard-computing, power, attitude-control, and structural systems, together with modular propulsion. It marketed the M3P, M6P, M12P, and M16P buses for different CubeSat sizes and introduced the MP42 microsatellite bus for substantially larger spacecraft. The product strategy emphasized configurable standardization: customers could use a proven platform while adapting payloads, communications, power, pointing, and propulsion to mission requirements. In 2018, AST & Science acquired a controlling interest in NanoAvionics. Abel Avellan, AST & Science’s chief executive, became chairman of the NanoAvionics board. During this period, NanoAvionics supported AST-related spacecraft demonstrations, including Blue Walker 1, while also serving unrelated commercial and institutional customers. In April 2019, Blue Walker 1 and another M6P-based mission launched together on a PSLV-QL rocket. These flights helped demonstrate the use of the company’s standardized bus for communications-oriented missions. The company’s mission portfolio expanded during the 2020s. LacunaSat spacecraft used M3P platforms for LoRaWAN-based direct-to-satellite Internet of Things connectivity. R2, Charlie, and D2/AtlaCom-1 used M6P buses for rideshare missions involving communications, IoT, imaging, and propulsion demonstrations. NanoAvionics also supplied spacecraft for OQ Technology’s 5G and narrowband-IoT constellation, including the Tiger series and the larger MP42-based Tiger-3 mission. The company’s buses were likewise used for DEWA SAT missions supporting digital monitoring of energy and water infrastructure in Dubai. Scientific and Earth-observation applications became another important part of the portfolio. The HYPSO satellites built for the Norwegian University of Science and Technology carried hyperspectral instruments for monitoring algal blooms and other ocean activity. Gama Alpha demonstrated a commercial solar sail, while MilSpace2 used two small satellites to detect, classify, and geolocate radio-frequency signals. Other missions supported methane-emissions monitoring, high-resolution and hyperspectral imaging, thermal infrared land-surface measurements, quantum communications research, and orbital-debris observation. NanoAvionics also participated in publicly supported research and development. European and European Space Agency support included work on an Internet of Things constellation-as-a-service concept and a feasibility study for an enabling propulsion system for the small-satellite market. The propulsion research sought a relatively low-cost, integrated green chemical system that could improve maneuverability and potentially extend orbital lifetimes. In Lithuania, NanoAvionics worked with the National Centre for Physical Sciences and Technology on catalytic materials for miniaturized monopropellant thrusters. In 2022, Kongsberg Gruppen acquired 77 percent of NanoAvionics. AST & Science sold its holding, and NanoAvionics management retained 23 percent. The transaction placed the Lithuanian company within Kongsberg’s broader aerospace and defence ecosystem while preserving its identity as a small-satellite platform and mission-integration specialist. Subsequent reference material describes a growing international mission record, with more than 150 successful commercial missions associated with the core engineering team and customers in over 50 countries. The company’s later missions continued to use M-series CubeSat buses and MP42-family microsatellite platforms for communications, Earth observation, scientific research, defence-related sensing, and technology demonstration.
- 2025
MP42-based SkyBee and maritime-surveillance missions
[1]NanoAvionics platforms supported Constellr’s SkyBee thermal-imaging program and Kongsberg-related maritime-surveillance spacecraft.
- 2023
Expansion of MP42 and mission portfolio
[1]MP42-based missions such as DROID.001 for orbital-debris servicing research and SkyBee-related spacecraft development, along with additional M6P and M3P missions, broadened the company’s commercial and scientific applications.
- 2023
MP42 platform used for larger commercial missions
[1]MP42-based missions included DROID.001 for orbital-debris servicing research and SkyBee-related spacecraft development.
- 2022
Kongsberg acquires 77 percent
[1]Kongsberg Gruppen acquired a majority stake; AST & Science exited and management retained a 23 percent minority interest.
- 2022
Kongsberg Gruppen acquired a majority stake
[1]Kongsberg Gruppen acquired 77 percent of NanoAvionics, while management retained a 23 percent interest.
- 2019
M6P missions launch
[1]Blue Walker 1 and another M6P-based nanosatellite carrying Internet-of-Things payloads launched together on a PSLV-QL rocket. Two NanoAvionics-based spacecraft were launched together on a PSLV-QL vehicle, supporting AST & Science testing and IoT payloads.
- 2018
AST & Science becomes controlling shareholder
[1]AST & Science acquired a controlling interest, with Abel Avellan becoming chairman of the board.
- 2018
AST & Science acquired a controlling interest
[1]AST & Science took control of NanoAvionics, with Abel Avellan becoming chairman of the board.
- 2014
Company founded as a Vilnius University spin-off
[1]NanoAvionics was established in Lithuania to develop small-satellite platforms and commercial and scientific mission capabilities. The company was founded in Lithuania as a spin-off from Vilnius University and began developing small-spacecraft technologies and mission capabilities.
- 2014
LituanicaSAT-1 launched
[1]LituanicaSAT-1, one of the first Lithuanian satellites, launched from Wallops Flight Facility on an Antares mission associated with the Cygnus 2 resupply flight to the International Space Station.
Products and positioning
A modular, standardized, and mission-oriented supplier for commercial and institutional small satellites, combining configurable spacecraft platforms with engineering, integration, testing, and operational services.
3U CubeSat bus
M3P
A compact multipurpose satellite bus designed around the 3U CubeSat format. It provides a standardized spacecraft foundation for communications, Earth observation, scientific experiments, and technology demonstrations, with configurable avionics, power, attitude control, communications, and payload interfaces. M3P missions have included DEWA SAT-1, Nightjar, TORO, and TPA-1, with payload configurations adapted to individual customer requirements.
6U CubeSat bus
M6P
A 6U-class multipurpose nanosatellite bus used for communications, Internet of Things, Earth observation, propulsion, and technology-demonstration missions. It has supported spacecraft such as Blue Walker 1, Lacuna-related missions, OQ Technology satellites, Gama Alpha, and MilSpace2. A 6U multipurpose CubeSat platform used for communications, IoT, Earth observation, scientific and technology-demonstration missions. Its flight heritage includes BlueWalker 1, LacunaSat missions, OQ Technology spacecraft, HYPSO-1 and HYPSO-2, Gama Alpha, Lemu Nge and several rideshare missions. A 6U-class multipurpose nanosatellite bus used for communications, Internet of Things, Earth observation, propulsion, and technology-demonstration missions. Its flight heritage includes Blue Walker 1, LacunaSat missions, OQ Technology satellites, HYPSO-1 and HYPSO-2, Gama Alpha, Lemu Nge, MilSpace2, and several rideshare missions.
12U CubeSat bus
M12P
A configurable 12U CubeSat platform intended for missions requiring more payload volume, power, communications capacity, or subsystem flexibility than smaller CubeSat buses can provide. The platform forms part of NanoAvionics’ family of repeatable multipurpose spacecraft architectures. A standardized 12U CubeSat bus intended for missions requiring more payload accommodation, power and systems capacity than smaller CubeSat configurations. The platform forms part of NanoAvionics’ family of repeatable multipurpose spacecraft architectures.
16U CubeSat bus
M16P
A 16U multipurpose CubeSat platform designed for larger payloads and more capable mission architectures, including Earth observation and communications applications. It can provide a standardized structure and spacecraft subsystem base for payloads such as high-resolution imaging instruments, communications equipment, and scientific technology demonstrators. A 16U multipurpose CubeSat bus for relatively demanding small-spacecraft missions. It can provide a standardized structure and spacecraft subsystem base for payloads such as high-resolution imaging instruments, communications equipment and scientific technology demonstrators.
Microsatellite bus
MP42
A larger modular microsatellite platform capable of supporting spacecraft of up to approximately 115 kilograms. It has been used for constellation demonstrators, communications payloads, orbital-debris observation, and high-precision thermal imaging missions. MP42 missions have included OQ Technology’s Tiger-3, Turion Space’s DROID.001, and Constellr’s SkyBee spacecraft, accommodating larger payloads and more capable communications, propulsion, and attitude-control systems than the company’s CubeSat buses. NanoAvionics’ larger microsatellite platform, designed to support spacecraft of up to approximately 115 kilograms. MP42 missions have included OQ Technology’s Tiger-3, Turion Space’s DROID.001 and Constellr’s SkyBee spacecraft. The platform accommodates larger payloads and more capable communications, propulsion and attitude-control systems than the company’s CubeSat buses.
Microsatellite bus
MP42H
A member of the MP42 microsatellite family intended for higher-capability missions, including maritime surveillance and other sensing applications.
Satellite propulsion
Modular chemical propulsion systems
Modular propulsion technologies developed for small spacecraft, including work on environmentally friendlier chemical propellants and miniaturized monopropellant thrusters. The intended benefits include maneuvering capability, improved orbit control, and longer operational lifetimes.
Spacecraft subsystem
Satellite propulsion systems
NanoAvionics develops modular chemical-propulsion technologies for small satellites, including work on lower-cost green-propellant systems. The intended applications include orbit maneuvering, improved mission control and longer operational lifetimes for small spacecraft.
Space engineering service
Mission integration services
Services cover mission design, spacecraft hardware assembly, payload integration, verification, environmental testing, and launch preparation. This integrated model allows customers to procure a spacecraft bus and associated engineering support from a single specialist supplier.
Brand decisions
2022
Join Kongsberg through a majority-stake acquisitionM&ABackground
NanoAvionics had built an international small-satellite business with standardized buses and a broad commercial and institutional mission portfolio.
Action taken
Kongsberg Gruppen acquired 77 percent of NanoAvionics; AST & Science divested its shares and management retained 23 percent.
Aftermath
NanoAvionics became part of Kongsberg’s aerospace and defence group while retaining its small-spacecraft manufacturing and mission-integration role.
2022
Joined Kongsberg Gruppen as a majority-owned businessM&ABackground
Kongsberg Gruppen sought to strengthen its capabilities in space and small-satellite systems.
Action taken
Kongsberg Gruppen acquired 77 percent of NanoAvionics. AST & Science divested its shares and NanoAvionics management retained 23 percent.
Aftermath
NanoAvionics became part of Kongsberg’s wider aerospace and defense group while continuing to operate as a small-satellite platform and mission-integration specialist.
2018
Accept controlling investment from AST & ScienceM&ABackground
NanoAvionics was developing standardized small-satellite platforms and mission services while AST & Science was pursuing space-based communications technology.
Action taken
AST & Science acquired a controlling interest and its chief executive, Abel Avellan, became chairman of NanoAvionics’ board.
Aftermath
NanoAvionics continued supplying platforms and mission services, including work associated with AST & Science technology demonstrations. NanoAvionics continued developing and flying small-satellite platforms for communications, IoT and other commercial missions.
- Developed a standardized small-satellite platform portfolioStrategy
Background
The growing CubeSat and small-satellite market created demand for shorter development cycles and repeatable spacecraft architectures.
Action taken
NanoAvionics developed M3P, M6P, M12P and M16P CubeSat buses alongside the larger MP42 microsatellite platform and associated integration services.
Aftermath
The platforms became the basis for missions involving IoT, Earth observation, scientific research, defense-related sensing and technology demonstration.
Recent events
Reported
NanoAvionics introduces the MP42 microsatellite bus[4]
NanoAvionics introduced the MP42, a larger microsatellite bus, as an expansion of its satellite-bus offering.
Reported
NanoAvionics partners with Ananth Technologies for India distribution[5]
NanoAvionics signed an agreement with Ananth Technologies to distribute NanoAvionics products and services in India, providing Indian companies access to its satellite products and services.
Sources5 sources
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