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Astrofizika (11F653)
Interkosmos 22 (Astrofizika probably similar)
The Astrofizika (11F653) was a Soviet research satellite launched under the designation Kosmos 1066.
The exact nature of the satellites mission has not yet been established. The Astrofizika name suggested a possible astrophysics payload but no science results had been published.
It was based on the VNIIEM built Meteor-1 bus and is known, that it used two SPT-50 plasma thrusters for orbital maneuvers.
Recent report suggest, that it carried special optical instruments for the observation of artificially created "light sources" on Earth. It has been speculated, that the mission of the satellite was military, perhaps in connection with Laser tests.
The satellite was launched in December 1978 on a Vostok-2M booster. Ita apparently operated for about 2 years.
| Nation: | International |
|---|---|
| Type / Application: | Technology |
| Operator: | |
| Contractors: | VNIIEM |
| Equipment: | |
| Configuration: | Meteor Bus |
| Propulsion: | 2 × SPT-50 plasma thruster |
| Power: | 2 deployable solar arrays, batteries |
| Lifetime: | 2 years ? |
| Mass: | 2750 kg |
| Orbit: | 821 km × 895 km, 81.24° |
| Satellite | COSPAR | Date | LS | Launch Vehicle | Remarks | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kosmos 1066 (Astrofizika) | 1978-121A | 23.12.1978 | Pl LC-43/3 | Vostok-2M |
References:
- Jonathan McDowell: Jonathan's Space Report No. 532, 9 August 2004
