Etalon

Passive geodetic satellites, 1415 kg, 1.294 m in diameter, covered with 306 antenna arrays, each with 14 corner cubes for laser reflection. Etalon was designed and launched with the primary mission of fully characterizing the earth's gravitational field at the altitude and inclination planned for the Glonass navigation satellites. The satellite was also used to refine understanding of Earth and Moon's gravitational fields, determine the effect of non-gravitational forces on the satellites; acquisition of data to enhance accuracy in identifying and forecasting movements of space apparatus, and for geophysical and geodetic research.

Typical orbit: 19096 km x 19149 km at 65 degrees inclination. Length: 1.29 m (4.25 ft). Maximum Diameter: 1.29 m (4.25 ft). Span: 1.29 m (4.25 ft). Mass: 1,415 kg (3,119 lb). Associated Launch Vehicle: Proton 8K82K / 11S861.

• 1989 January 10 - Cosmos 1989 - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Vehicle: Proton 8K82K / 11S861. Mass: 1,415 kg (3,119 lb). Perigee: 19,097 km (11,866 mi). Apogee: 19,152 km (11,900 mi). Inclination: 64.90 deg. Period: 675.50 min.

  Etalon series. Acquisition of data to enhance accuracy in identifying and forecasting movements of space apparatus, and for geophysical and geodetic research.

• 1989 May 31 - Cosmos 2024 - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Vehicle: Proton 8K82K / 11S861. Mass: 1,415 kg (3,119 lb). Perigee: 19,095 km (11,865 mi). Apogee: 19,146 km (11,896 mi). Inclination: 65.50 deg. Period: 675.40 min.

  Etalon series. Acquisition of data to enhance accuracy in identifying and forecasting movements of space apparatus, and for geophysical and geodetic research.

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