Another satellite built by “Kongsberg NanoAvionics” has reached space – to monitor forest health and support the development of green credits

A “Kongsberg NanoAvionics” small satellite, “IHI-SAT2”, designed for global forest monitoring and the advancement of green credit initiatives, has successfully reached Earth’s orbit. The satellite was launched into space on 28 November from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, as part of the SpaceX “Transporter-15” mission. Shortly after separating from the rocket’s second stage, the “NanoAvionics” mission control centre in Vilnius established a stable two-way communication link with “IHI-SAT2”, confirming its successful operation.

The satellite was manufactured on behalf of Japan’s “IHI Corporation” and “IHI Aerospace Co., Ltd.” and is part of the “NeXT FOREST” programme, undertaken by “IHI” in collaboration with “Sumitomo Forestry Company Limited”. Its onboard hyperspectral camera captures imagery across an exceptionally wide range of the electromagnetic spectrum, allowing precise identification of plant species, analysis of forest condition changes, and detection of stress or disease indicators. Such data provide invaluable insights for sustainable forestry practices and the development of environmental financial mechanisms.

It is particularly encouraging that “IHI-SAT2” was fully assembled and tested in Lithuania – at the “NanoAvionics” facility in Vilnius, from which the entire mission is also being coordinated. This marks the eleventh satellite launched by the company into space this year. Since commencing operations in 2014, “NanoAvionics” has already deployed more than fifty satellites into orbit, supporting climate monitoring, science, communications, and industrial projects worldwide.

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Originally published on 3 Dec

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A measure to support energy storage is being planned as part of the coalition agreement

By Zero Terrain 27 January 2025

The coalition parties have agreed that either the state or Elering will support the construction of energy storage capacities. The Ministry of Climate historically believed energy storage would be built on market demand. The Ministry of Education and Research, Kristina Kallas stated, “If we purchase offshore wind energy on a large scale and develop these capabilities, we must also ensure that we have the infrastructure for long duration energy storage.” She emphasised that constructing an offshore wind facility without appropriate energy storage poses a significant risk of energy being exported.

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Originally published on 27 Jan

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Estonia Launches €100M Defence Fund

By The Estonian Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications 21 January 2025

The Estonian Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications has announced the launch of a €100 million Defence Fund, established to support the development of innovative defence and security capabilities to meet the growing global demand for new solutions. Managed by national fund manager SmartCap, the fund will provide direct investments to defence companies and funds investing in military and dual-use technologies.

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Originally published on 21 Jan

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Energiø Bornholm has every chance of becoming a good business for Denmark

By Baltic Energy Island 16 January 2025

Doubts have been raised about Energiø Bornholm’s relevance and economy, but the project has never been more important. Besides being a crucial project in the European fight against climate change, the energy island has every opportunity to become a good business for Denmark.

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Originally published on 15 Jan

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Hollister Incorporated boosts Lithuanian presence with 100 new hires

By Invest Lithuania 14 January 2025

US healthcare products manufacturer Hollister Incorporated is expanding its Lithuanian operations. This month, the company has officially opened its financial services center, Hollister SSC Lithuania, complementing its manufacturing facility, Hollister Lietuva, located in the Kaunas Free Economic Zone. Building on this growth, the company has announced plans to establish a new product development (NPD) center at its Lithuanian facility later in the year.

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Originally published on 14 Jan

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Estonia opened Business Hub in Washington D.C.

By Trade with Estonia 17 October 2024

Estonia opened the first Business Hub in U.S. Located at the Embassy of Estonia in Washington, D.C., the Business Hub will serve as a bridge between Estonian companies and the vast business opportunities in the U.S. market. A delegation of Estonian defence industry innovators was present at the opening event, also attending the annual AUSA conference.

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Originally published on 17 Oct

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