Experimental
NORAD ID: 35871
Int'l Code: 2009-049G
Perigee: 823.7 km
Apogee: 829.7 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 15027.56697797 .00000011 00000-0 24238-4 0 4683
2 35871 098.5090 070.5656 0004206 150.7211 209.4203 14.21716965277553
Source: AFSPC
NASA's NSSDC Master Catalog entry for BLITS
