BLITS

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10-day predictions
BLITS is classified as:

Experimental

NORAD ID: 35871

Int'l Code: 2009-049G

Perigee: 824.0 km

Apogee: 828.5 km

Inclination: 98.6 °

Period: 101.3 minutes

Semi major axis: 7197 km

RCS: 0.0821 m² (small)

Launch date: September 17, 2009
Source: Commonwealth of Independent States (former USSR) (CIS)
Launch site: TYURATAM MISSILE AND SPACE COMPLEX (TTMTR)

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.

1 35871U 09049G   22177.86113945 -.00000012  00000-0  13818-4 0  9991
2 35871  98.5510 145.5513 0003110 184.5699 175.5451 14.21841957662256

Source of the keplerian elements: AFSPC