BLITS

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10-day predictions
BLITS is classified as:

Experimental

NORAD ID: 35871

Int'l Code: 2009-049G

Perigee: 823.0 km

Apogee: 828.6 km

Inclination: 98.7 °

Period: 101.3 minutes

Semi major axis: 7196 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   24135.42928053  .00000175  00000-0  98681-4 0  9993
2 35871  98.6565  96.1683 0003849  28.6235 331.5153 14.21981500759966

Source of the keplerian elements: AFSPC