Experimental
NORAD ID: 35871
Int'l Code: 2009-049G
Perigee: 816.3 km
Apogee: 822.8 km
Inclination: 98.5 °
Period: 101.3 minutes
Semi major axis: 7197 km
Launch date: September 17, 2009
Source: Commonwealth of Independent States (former USSR) (CIS)
Comments: BLITS is a 7.53-kilogram nanosatellite consisting of two outer hemispheres made of a low-refraction-index glass. It is developed and manufactured by the IPIE center, under a 2006 agreement between Roskosmos and International Laser Ranging Service. The purpose of the mission is experimental verification of the spherical glass retroreflector satellite concept. A small spherical retroreflector of the same type (6cm in diameter) was flying onboard of the Meteor-3M satellite in 2001-2006.
Two Line Element Set (TLE):
1 35871U 09049G 15063.03715093 .00000028 00000-0 31958-4 0 9999
2 35871 098.5038 104.7647 0004522 068.9186 291.2475 14.21721602282591
Source: AFSPC
NASA's NSSDC Master Catalog entry for BLITS
