Naharnet

Argentine Nanosatellite Now in Orbit

A nanosatellite owned by Argentina is now in orbit after being launched from a Russian platform.

Argentina's technology ministry said it was launched Friday at 4:30 a.m. (730 GMT) and has already orbited around the Earth five times.

"CubeBug-2," as it is also known, weights around 4 pounds (2 kilograms) and moves at a speed of 17,000 miles (27,000 kilometers) per hour. It's loaded with a high-definition camera to snap shots of Earth and an Argentine-made GPS.

"Manolito" and its predecessor, "Capitan Beto," are part of a project to try out new sensors and materials to observe our planet focused on recording climate conditions and atmosphere.

Most of the satellite's components were developed by Argentina's Satellogic company. It cost $130,000.

Ecuador also announced Thursday that its second nanosatellite reached space.

Source: Associated Press


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