MKA-PN1 (Zond-PP)

Spacecraft n°:

Russia spacecraft n°:

Launch data: Designation  38711 / 12039E Launch date  22 July 2012 - 06:41 UT Launch site  Baik, LC-31/6 Launch vehicle  Soyuz-FG / Fregat Mission  Government: Remote sensing, Earth Observation LEO Sun-synchronous Earth orbit: Perigee / Apogee  804 x 822 km Eccentricity  1,25E-03 Inclination  98.95 deg Period  101.15 min

Spacecraft data:

Assembly of the space head unit has been completed.

Description:

• Zond-PP or MKA-PN 1 is a microsatellite designed to study the characteristics of the earth's surface by using a L-band radiometer and is aimed at mapping of soil moisture and water salinity waters, and study the land-ocean-atmosphere energy system. The results will be used for forecasting changes in the environment and climate.
• Will use an L-band radiometer to study physical phenomena and processes in the atmosphere and on the surface.

Mission details:

• On Jul 22, 2012 Roskosmos launched a Soyuz-FG/Fregat into polar orbit with a cluster of small satellites.
• MKA-PN1 is a Russian magnetospheric research mission led by IKI (Inst. for Space Research) using the Karat bus and the Zond-PP L-band microwave radiometer to study soil moisture and ocean salinity.