NEXT SPACEFLIGHT

Status

Success

Bhaskara-1

Launch Time
Thu Jun 07, 1979 10:30 UTC

Rocket

Cosmos-3M
Image Credit: OKB-586
RVSN USSR
Status: Retired
Liftoff Thrust: 1,486 kN
Payload to LEO: 1,500 kg
Payload to GTO: 0 kg
Stages: 2
Strap-ons: 0
Rocket Height: 32.42 m
Fairing Diameter: 2.44 m
Fairing Height: 5.72 m

Mission Details

Bhaskara-1

The two Bhaskara satellites were launched as part of the satellite-for-earth-observations (SEO) program.

The main objectives were to conduct Earth observation experiments for applications related to hydrology, forestry, and geology using a two-band TV camera system, and to conduct ocean-surface studies using a two-frequency satellite microwave radiometer (SAMIR) system. Secondary objectives were to test engineering and data processing systems, to collect limited meteorological data from remote platforms, and to conduct scientific investigations in X-ray astronomy. Bhaskara was a 26-faced quasi-spherical polyhedron. It had a height of 1.66 m, and a diameter of 1.55 m.

Named after the two "Bhaskaracharyas," astronomer-mathematicians of ancient India.

Payloads: 1
Total Mass: 444.0 kg
Low Earth Orbit

Location

Site 107/1, Kapustin Yar, Russia

Stats

1979

52nd orbital launch attempt

Cosmos-3

225th mission
9th mission of 1979
208th successful mission
11th consecutive successful mission