Luča satellite named finalist for AIAA Rookie of the Year award

The Luča satellite, Montenegro's first satellite, has been named a finalist for the prestigious ‘Rookie of the Year’ award. The award is presented by the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) as part of a program recognizing the best small satellite missions.

Luča is a 1U CubeSat equipped with a camera and a sensor designed to measure cosmic radiation. According to Montenegro Space Research, the mission aims to foster international cooperation, support STEAM education, and connect Montenegro with the global scientific and amateur radio communities.

The selection follows a rigorous process of nomination and technical evaluation by the AIAA Small Satellite Technical Committee. The project has now entered a public voting phase, where supporters can cast votes via an official AIAA form to help the mission secure the award.