# BKA
**Wikidata**: [Q519887](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q519887)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/bka

## Summary
BKA is an Earth observation satellite commissioned by the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus. Launched on July 22, 2012, the spacecraft was delivered to orbit from the Baikonur Cosmodrome using a Soyuz-FG launch vehicle. Weighing 450 kilograms, it serves as an artificial satellite specifically designed to observe Earth from orbit.

## Key Facts
*   **Classification:** BKA is an Earth observation satellite (artificial satellite designed to observe Earth from orbit).
*   **Commissioning:** The satellite was commissioned by the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus.
*   **Launch Date:** It was launched on July 22, 2012.
*   **Launch Site:** The launch took place at Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 31.
*   **Launch Vehicle:** BKA was deployed using a Soyuz-FG launch vehicle.
*   **Mass:** The satellite has a mass of 450 kilograms.
*   **COSPAR ID:** Its international designation is 2012-039B.
*   **Significant Event:** A rocket launch event occurred on July 22, 2012, at Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 31.

## FAQs
### Q: Who owns and operates the BKA satellite?
A: The BKA satellite was commissioned by the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus. It operates as an Earth observation satellite.

### Q: When was BKA launched and what rocket was used?
A: BKA was launched on July 22, 2012, using a Soyuz-FG launch vehicle. The launch originated from Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 31.

### Q: What is the primary function of BKA?
A: BKA is an Earth observation satellite, which means it is an artificial satellite specifically designed to observe Earth from orbit.

## Why It Matters
The BKA satellite represents a significant milestone in the space capabilities of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus. By commissioning and deploying this 450-kilogram Earth observation satellite, the entity established a dedicated orbital presence for remote sensing and data collection.

The deployment of BKA allows for the independent acquisition of Earth observation data, which is critical for various scientific and practical applications, though the specific data types (e.g., agricultural, environmental) are defined by its classification as an Earth observation satellite. Launched aboard the reliable Soyuz-FG, the satellite's successful insertion into orbit on July 22, 2012, underscores the technological collaboration required to place specialized payloads into space. As an artificial satellite designed to observe Earth, BKA plays a vital role in monitoring the planet's surface, contributing to the broader global network of remote sensing infrastructure.

## Notable For
*   **Belarusian Space Asset:** Being a satellite commissioned by the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus.
*   **Specific Launch Configuration:** Utilization of the Soyuz-FG launch vehicle and launch from Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 31.
*   **Earth Observation Capabilities:** Being specifically classified as an artificial satellite designed for Earth observation.
*   **Precise Mass:** A defined launch mass of 450 kilograms.

## Body
### Classification and Function
BKA is classified as an **Earth observation satellite**. It functions as an artificial satellite specifically designed to observe Earth from orbit. This classification places it within the category of spacecraft used for remote sensing and planetary monitoring.

### Launch and Deployment
The satellite successfully underwent a **rocket launch** on **July 22, 2012**.
*   **Launch Vehicle:** The launch was facilitated by the **Soyuz-FG** launch vehicle.
*   **Location:** The launch originated from **Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 31**.
*   **Significant Event:** The launch is recorded as a significant event involving the rocket launch at the specified location and point in time (2012-07-22).

### Technical Specifications
*   **Mass:** The satellite has a total mass of **450 kilograms**.
*   **COSPAR ID:** It holds the international COSPAR ID **2012-039B**.
*   **SCN (Satellite Catalog Number):** 38708.

### Commissioning and Ownership
The BKA satellite was **commissioned by the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus**. This establishes the organization as the primary authority behind the satellite's deployment and operation. The satellite's image is archived and accessible via Wikimedia Commons, depicting the Belarusian cosmic apparatus.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report