Science
ALTAIR (RS65S)
Astronomical observation · Moscow State University (MSU)
Right now
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Altair, radio designation RS65S, is a small astronomical-observation satellite built by Moscow State University (MSU), one of roughly two dozen small satellites launched together on Russia's large November 4, 2024 Vostochny rideshare mission (COSPAR 2024-199) alongside the primary Ionosfera-M scientific payloads. Distinct from most of its cluster-mates, which carry Earth-observation, IoT, or general technology-demonstration payloads, Altair's stated mission is astronomical rather than terrestrial — pointing its instruments outward rather than down at Earth, part of the university's broader space-science and student-training program.
Its orbit
- Orbit
- Low Earth Orbitcan appear as a fast-moving star at dawn or dusk
- Altitude
- 278–287 mi (447–462 km)
- Inclination
- 97.3°
- One orbit
- 93.5 minutes15.4 orbits a day
- NORAD ID
- 61779
- Int’l designator
- 2024-199AW
- Launched
- 2024
Orbital elements from CelesTrak, as of 22 Sep 2026.
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