The 6 kg Munin nanosatellite is sponsored by the Institutet för RymdFysik (Swedish Institute of Space Physics), Umeå University, and Luleå University of Technology. The scientific objective is to collect data on the auroral activity for both the northern and southern hemispheres, such that a global picture of the current state of activity can be made available on-line. The data acquired by Munin will then serve as an input to the prediction of space weather.

The satellite uses a passive magnetic stabilization system, a permanent magnet holds the satellite aligned along the geomagnetic field lines (like a compass needle). The satellite has no moving parts, deployable booms, etc. The stowed dimension of the satellite is 20 x 20 x 25 cm. The satellite is covered with solar cells on all surfaces. The satellite is powered by the solar cells, which provide enough power when the satellite is in sunlight to also recharge a battery that will keep the satellite powered when it is in eclipse.  

Munin was placed in an elliptical orbit, 698 x 1810 km (377 x 977 nmi), at 95.4 degrees inclination. In the orbit it collects information about the distributions of electrons and ions and stores this in the onboard (2Mb) RAM. By using artificial intelligence and compression methods we can be sure of only storing interesting data. This data is downlinked with use of a radio modem when the satellite passes Kiruna, Sweden, and will be made available on the world wide web immediately after reception.

The name of the satellite comes from Nordic mythology: "The ravens Munin and Hugin flew out and brought back news from every corner of the world. Sitting on the God Odin's shoulders, they whispered all the news in his ears. Munin represented the memory and Hugin the intelligence... and they were his embodied soul..."