Sfera (satellite)
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Sfera (TEKh-44) is a small passive satellite deployed during a spacewalk from the ISS in August 2012.[1]
Description[]
Also called the Vektor-T calibration sphere, the Sfera satellite is used to determine the density of the upper atmosphere by measuring how much drag occurs when the satellite passes through it.[2]
TEKh-44 is a shiny sphere 53 cm (20.8 inches) across weighing 14 kg (~31 pounds).[3]
Re-entry[]
It re-entered the atmosphere in late November 2012.[4]
See also[]
References[]
External links[]
Categories:
- Passive satellites
- Spacecraft which reentered in 2012
- Spheres
- Atmospheric sounding satellites
- Russian spacecraft stubs