Croatia has started a space programme on May 1: a planned science-exploration and educational project in the area of space technologies.

The project was envisioned by the Vidulini astronomy association.

The association`s representatives point out that their mission is to envision, construct, use various technical achievements, explore and hold educational activities with the goal of creating Croatia`s space programme and the Agency for Space Exploration.

The primary goal is to create, launch into the Earth`s orbit and maintenance the picosatellite ( a satellite with the mass of 1,000 grams and dimensions 100x100x100 millimetres). Furthermore, the plan is to create similar crafts which would be intended for high atmospheric explorations.

Satellite to be launched in 2013
Interestingly enough, the idea of the stated project was created in the past century. However, according to the association, it all sounded like science-fiction at the time.

They started working on the plan in 2003 as space devices were created and applied at summer educational workgroups. Since 2006 and today, information was gathered and projects were created for the satellite to start functioning.

Test crafts and the selection of a space agency which would launch the satellite are planned from the period between 2010 and 2012, while the satellite should be launched in 2012 or 2014.

Apart from creating and launching a satellite, the association`s goal is to educate people about space technology and popularise it.

Demonstrative missions to the Moon and planets of the Solar System are also planned, while robotic systems will also be created, like the lender, rover and submarines.

Head of the project is Marino Tupic, while 11 more persons are collaborating with him, They claim they are open to new ideas and suggestions and hope they will be able to establish contact with persons interested in space technology via their website.