25722 - MEGSAT

MEGSAT is an Italian test satellite that was launched by a Cosmos 3M rocket from the reactivated launch site called Kapustin Yar near Volgograd in the Astrakhan region of Russia at 08:30 UT on 1999 April 28. The 35-kg microsatellite will enable designs of future missions. Initial orbital parameters were period 96 min, apogee 600 km, perigee 547 km, and inclination 48 deg.

MegSat 1 was the second microsatellite in a series planned by the Italian Meggiorin Group, and aims to offer 64kbps store and forward communications. The 50 kg microsatellite was launched into a 101 km 81 degree inclined orbit. It carried two scientific payloads in order to measure UV emissions from the Aurora Borealis, and microgravity conditions.

Facts in Brief

Launch Date: 1999-04-28
Launch Vehicle: Cosmos
Launch Site: Kapustin Yar, Russia
Mass: 35.0 kg