September 9Albert invited the managers and employees of Orbital Solutions Monaco (OSM), a young Monegasque start-up which earlier this month sent a Monegasque-made nano satellite into space.Founded and run by Mr. Francesco Bongiovanni, Orbital Solutions Monaco is based in the Fontvieille district and has only a few employees. Mr. Bongiovanni recalled during his speech that this small satellite, barely 10 kilos, now flies above our heads at an altitude of 530 km.
This concentrate of technologies accomplishes a circle of the Earth (revolution) in 90 minutes at a prodigious speed of 28,000 km/h; it collects and transmits climatic and atmospheric data in this orbit considered low by space specialists.
Mr. Bongiovanni also wished to thank the Sovereign Prince for his support and Mr. Manfredi Lefebvre d'Ovidio who brought together the financial and human resources to bring this project to life.
The miniaturization of high technologies offers the possibility for small states and private companies to become full players in the space field formerly reserved only for large nations.
OSM is already working on other satellite projects and intends to build one with the help of Monegasque high school students.

