Serbia is developing its first domestically designed satellite with Chinese assistance, marking a significant step for the country's scientific and technological ambitions. 

The project, known as MOSAIC, is based on CubeSat technology - miniature satellites built from small, standardized cube-shaped modules - and Serbian researchers say it could become the foundation for a future national space program.

The work is being led by scientists at the Astronomical Observatory Belgrade, an institution that has spent nearly a century studying space through traditional astronomy. Now, the observatory is entering a new phase by participating directly in satellite development.

Chinese partners are providing technical expertise, launch support and the satellite platform itself. 

One of the mission's key objectives will be monitoring X-ray radiation from the Sun using specialized instruments developed by Serbian scientists. One of the mission's key objectives will be monitoring X-ray radiation from the Sun using specialised instruments developed by Serbian scientists.

Researchers also hope MOSAIC will capture the first image of Serbia taken from a Serbian satellite in orbit. 

According to project leaders, the original concept involved a smaller three-unit CubeSat. "But after our collaboration with Chinese colleagues, we discussed whether to have an eight-unit CubeSat," said Professor Luka Popović, director of the Astronomical Observatory Belgrade. Astronomical Observatory Belgrade.

"It is a big step to form a space agency in Serbia and also very important to use the experience that China has."

The launch is currently planned for the end of 2027. Serbian officials say the program is attracting growing interest among students, researchers and technology startups, many of whom increasingly see the space sector as a future development opportunity.

Authorities also view MOSAIC as a possible starting point for a broader domestic space-oriented industry. Plans linked to the project include the future construction of a ground communication and satellite control centre in Serbia.

"The Chinese government decided to help us to get the knowledge that we needed so that we can develop our own space program and space projects," said Zoran Tomić, adviser to Serbia's Ministry of Science.

"Space is not reserved only for the large countries, and the Chinese side, when they offered us a collaboration, they told us that any country that has space ambitions can be part of that large family."

The MOSAIC mission represents Serbia's most ambitious step into space research so far, combining domestic scientific efforts with international cooperation.