The Secretary of Innovation, Science, and Technology of the Nation, Darío Genua, officially announced that the Argentine satellite ATENEA has completed its integration phase and is preparing to take part in NASA's Artemis II mission, aimed at traveling to the Moon.
Through his social media accounts, Genua highlighted: “The integration of the ATENEA satellite has been completed, and it will be launched into space on a historic NASA mission. Very soon, we will present the Argentine Space Plan, with the goal of positioning the country as a relevant geopolitical and technological player in this strategic sector of the global economy.”
Developed by the National Commission on Space Activities (CONAE) in collaboration with universities, public agencies, and the aerospace company VENG, ATENEA represents a technological leap for Argentina. The project underwent significant testing at the Integration and Testing Laboratory (LIE) of the Teófilo Tabanera Space Center (CETT) in Córdoba, between September 1 and 12, 2025, following NASA's strictest standards.
El satélite argentino ATENEA
On September 23, the 12U Cubesat, named ATENEA, departed for the United States, where it will be integrated into the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket as part of Artemis II. The Argentine microsatellite will arrive at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral to begin its installation in the device that will place it into orbit on October 1. The launch is scheduled between February and April 2026.
VENG, a key company in the satellite's development, emphasized its participation: “We contributed to the design and manufacturing of key electronic components, flight wiring, and the execution of environmental, mechanical, and electromagnetic compatibility tests that will validate its operation under extreme conditions. This project, led by CONAE, represents a new step for the Argentine space industry, and we are proud to be part of this milestone with international reach.”
El satélite argentino ATENEA
The Argentine satellite
ATENEA's main objectives will be to measure radiation doses in different orbits, test silicon photomultipliers (SiPMs), collect GPS data in geostationary transfer orbits, and validate long-range communication links. This is a high-value technological demonstration mission that paves the way for new generations of efficient and high-performance national satellites.
This advancement represents a scientific achievement and a strategic opportunity for Argentina to position itself as a relevant player in the global space race, consolidating technological capabilities and driving the development of the national industry.
