Latvia is set to launch its first satellite, Venta-1, with an Indian carrier rocket at the end of 2011 or with a Russian carrier rocket at the beginning of 2012.

Weighing in at 7.5kg, the satellite was developed by German space technologies company OHB-System for implementation of an automatic identification system (AIS).

The University of Bremen, Ventspils University College and Ventspils High Technology Park also participated in the satellite project.

It will carry an AIS receiver, which will provide real-time data about navigation throughout the world.

The satellite will receive signals from three stations – Ventspils International Radio Astronomy Centre in Irbene, a back up station in Bremen, and a station in South Tyrol, Italy.

Article published on the 5th of September, 2011.