Science
LARETS
Geodetic Laser Ranging · Russia
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Russia's LARETS is a small geodetic retroreflector sphere testing laser ranging techniques and providing additional reference points for Earth's gravitational field measurement. Its compact size and clean spherical shape make it an ideal target for high-energy laser ranging systems seeking picosecond timing precision.
Its orbit
- Orbit
- Low Earth Orbitcan appear as a fast-moving star at dawn or dusk
- Altitude
- 420–431 mi (675–694 km)
- Inclination
- 98.4°
- One orbit
- 98.3 minutes14.6 orbits a day
- NORAD ID
- 27944
- Int’l designator
- 2003-042F
- Launched
- 2003
Orbital elements from CelesTrak, as of 22 Sep 2026.
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