From Small Town to Space Career: Lithuanian Engineer Builds Satellite 'Brains'

Dominykas, an engineer hailing from the small Lithuanian town of Šakiai, is contributing to cutting-edge space technology at "Kongsberg NanoAvionics." This company stands as Lithuania's first space technology firm and is recognized as a global leader in its field, having successfully launched more than 60 satellites into orbit. Established in Lithuania 12 years ago, the company designs and manufactures satellites and their systems for prominent clients, including NASA, the European Space Agency (ESA), and "Thales Alenia Space," alongside numerous other commercial and governmental organizations across fifty countries.

The company is owned by the Norwegian technology giant "KONGSBERG," with "NanoAvionics" establishing branches not only in Lithuania but also in the United States, the United Kingdom, and the United Arab Emirates. Dominykas works from the company's offices in Kaunas. He describes his workdays as unpredictable, with each day bringing new challenges and innovations. "There are no two identical days," Dominykas explains. "Every day can bring something different: electronic design, planning, developing new features, describing existing systems and analyzing their interaction with other components, filling out documentation. A significant part of the work also involves assisting colleagues from other departments. Everything varies greatly depending on the day."

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There are no two identical days. Every day can bring something different: electronic design, planning, developing new features, describing existing systems and analyzing their interaction with other components, filling out documentation. A significant part of the work also involves assisting colleagues from other departments. Everything varies greatly depending on the day.

Dominykas's primary responsibility is adapting satellite systems for unique missions. He personally oversees the satellite's flight computer board and contributes to the development of battery systems, assisting colleagues with power supply solutions for all satellite components. Because many of the satellites and their missions developed by "Kongsberg NanoAvionics" are unique, standard solutions are insufficient. Engineers must extensively modify and adapt basic systems for each mission's specific objectives.

Reflecting on his journey, Dominykas shared that his path to the space industry was unexpected. After completing his studies in electronic engineering at Kaunas University of Technology (KTU), he did not anticipate entering the space industry so soon after graduation. He initially envisioned working in a more conventional company, not one involved in the complexities of space technology. His current role demands meticulous attention to detail and deep specialized knowledge, challenging conventional myths about introverted specialists.

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I personally oversee the satellite's flight computer board. I also contribute to the development of battery systems and help colleagues solve issues related to systems that provide power to all other satellite components.