Sfera (satellite)

Sfera (TEKh-44) is a small passive satellite deployed during a spacewalk from the ISS in August 2012.[1]

Not to be confused with Sfera (geodesy satellite).

Description

Also called the Vektor-T calibration sphere, the satellite enables operators to track its movement, generate velocity and acceleration estimates to determine to what extent atmosphere is slowing down the sphere as it travels in space. Drag (velocity deceleration) estimates are used to determine localized atmospheric density.[2]

TEKh-44 is a shiny sphere 53 cm (20.8 inches) across weighing 14 kg (~31 pounds).[3] "Sfera" is Russian for sphere.

Re-entry

It re-entered the atmosphere in late November 2012.[4]

See also

References
  1. Krebs, Gunter D. "Sfera-53 (TEKh-44, Vektor-T)". Gunter's Space Page. Retrieved 5 May 2023.
  2. "What a ball-shaped Sfera satellite looks like". esa.int. 20 August 2012. Retrieved 5 May 2023.
  3. ISS Exp. 32 - Russian EVA-31 Updates Archived 2013-12-25 at the Wayback Machine
  4. SFERA


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