Montenegro Space Research: „Luča“ is alive, Montenegro is in space

„Luča“ is alive. Montenegro is in space – was announced by the organization Montenegro Space Research yesterday following the reception of the first signal from the Montenegrin satellite from space.

The first Montenegrin satellite „Luča“ was successfully launched into orbit yesterday from a cosmodrome in eastern Russia, the organization previously announced, stating that with this act Montenegro has written a new chapter in its technological and scientific history.

The satellite’s chief engineer and operator, Nikola Perović, confirmed from the control room that „Luča“ was the first satellite to transmit a signal among 50 secondary payload satellites launched as part of this international mission.

- The moment the signal was received was accompanied by strong emotions and spontaneous celebration in the control room - Montenegro Space Research said.

They emphasized that this historic moment confirms that the satellite’s systems are stable and fully functional, marking the beginning of its operational mission in orbit.

- The first signal is not merely a technical confirmation of success, but a symbol of the knowledge, vision, and perseverance of a small country that has made a great leap forward - the statement said.

According to the organization, more information about the next phases of the mission will be announced in the coming days.

Montenegro Space Research explained that the satellite’s primary mission is to measure cosmic radiation.

In addition, the satellite is equipped with a camera that will capture imagery from an altitude of approximately 600 kilometers, as well as telecommunications systems for transmitting data back to Earth.

- Alongside the Montenegrin satellite Luča, the same mission also launched the Emirati–Kuwaiti satellite QMR-KWT 2, Qatar’s TriSat-3, Ecuador’s Galapagos-1, and other satellites, giving the mission a distinctly international character - the statement said.

It was emphasized that although the satellite is legally and technically owned by Montenegro Space Research, it symbolically belongs to all citizens of Montenegro.

- Our wish is for every citizen to feel part of this historic project and to regard „Luča“ as their own - the organization concluded.