CroCube: The first Croatian cube in space

by croatiaweek
November 10, 2023
in News

(Photo: CroCube)

The first Croatian satellite, CroCube, was presented on Friday at the Zagreb Velesajam.

CroCube will be transported to SpaceX, which will launch it into orbit aboard the ‘Transporter-10’ flight from Florida in February 2024.

Croatia is the only country in Europe without its own satellite in space and mission leader Daniela Jović told HRT that it is a historic moment for Croatia and its future in space.

“CroCube is more than just a satellite, and as we observe it, we cannot help but feel pride and excitement,” she said, adding that CroCube represents a significant step forward in space technology.

The nanosatellite’s cube shape also matches Croatia’s most recognisable national symbol – the Croatian checkerboard, comprising 25 red and white squares.

“It is with great pride that we thus call this mission CroCube – the first Croatian cube in space. This mission was initiated outside traditional space agencies. It is the result of dedication and collaboration among local experts, partners from Croatia, and around the world. It is important to emphasise that CroCube signifies a huge leap forward for Croatia in the field of space technology. Its assembly, registration, and launch preparations demonstrate that here in Croatia, we have the technical readiness to participate in high-tech space projects,” Jović added.

She also highlighted the broader significance of this mission.

“It’s not just the first Croatian cube in space, but also a cube sent into space through friendship and unity with partners from the European Union. CroCube connects us with international partners such as Slovakia, the Czech Republic, and beyond. CroCube is also a new impetus for Croatia’s further steps toward membership in the European Space Agency,” she emphasised.

(Photo: CroCube)

CroCube will also open doors to Croatia’s future, she states.

“This is the first step toward recognising existing capacities and creating prerequisites for the development of local companies and innovations in the space sector. Our team of 30 members over the past year and a half has identified approximately six local companies ready for the challenges of the space industry. We are confident that our example of launching CroCube will motivate even more companies and experts to dare to dream and realize their dreams of space. The first Croatian cube is proof that reaching space from Croatia is possible,” concluded Jović.