ATENEA

ATENEA [CONAE]

ATENEA () is an Argentine 12U CubeSat developed by CONAE (Comisión Nacional de Actividades Espaciales) in Argentina. Its payload includes radiation sensors with multiple shielding samples, electronics for spectral analysis, a GPS receiver, and a communications subsystem capable of long-range operation.

The primary purpose of ATENEA is the in-situ measurement of the radiation environment in cislunar space. The mission will collect radiation dose data behind different shielding configurations to support the assessment of crew and spacecraft protection strategies. In addition, the satellite will measure the radiation spectrum around Earth, contributing to improved characterization of the near-Earth radiation environment.

A further objective is the collection of GPS data during the mission. These measurements are intended to support the optimization of navigation concepts and mission design for future deep-space missions. ATENEA will also demonstrate and validate a long-range communications link, providing operational experience relevant to missions beyond low Earth orbit.

ATENEA was designed and manufactured in Argentina. The project is led by CONAE with the participation of national universities, including the Universidad Nacional de La Plata (UNLP), the Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), and the Universidad Nacional de San Martín (UNSAM). The satellite serves as a scientific and technological demonstration, strengthening national capabilities in the development of small, specialized spacecraft and associated subsystems.

ATENEA is manifested as one of four international CubeSats on the Artemis II test flight. NASA and CONAE formalized the agreement for the flight opportunity as part of international cooperation on the Artemis program. As of early 2026, the satellite is integrated for launch from Florida aboard the Artemis 2 mission, which will conduct a crewed test flight around the Moon.

ATENEA was expected to have reentered at 1st perigee since it had no propulsion to raise its orbit.