# Granat

> former Soviet/Russian space observatory

**Wikidata**: [Q49975](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q49975)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Granat)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/granat

## Summary
Granat was a former Soviet/Russian space observatory launched on December 1, 1989, designed for observing distant space objects, particularly in X-ray astronomy. It operated until 1999 when it re-entered Earth's atmosphere after a decade of scientific observations.

## Key Facts
- Granat was launched on December 1, 1989, at 20:20:57 from Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 200 using a Proton-K rocket.
- It had a launch mass of 4400 kg and a payload weight of 2300 kg.
- The observatory measured 8.5 meters wide (spacecraft solar array) and 6.5 meters in height.
- Granat was operated by the Soviet space program and manufactured by NPO Lavochkin.
- It carried the SIGMA space telescope - PR 78 as its scientific instrument.
- The observatory experienced loss of signal on November 27, 1998, and re-entered Earth's atmosphere on May 25, 1999.
- Granat was funded by both the Russian Space Research Institute and the National Center for Scientific Research.

## FAQs
### Q: What was Granat?
A: Granat was a former Soviet/Russian space observatory launched in 1989. It was specifically designed as a space telescope for observing distant space objects, with particular focus on X-ray astronomy.

### Q: When and how was Granat launched?
A: Granat was launched on December 1, 1989, at 20:20:57 from Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 200 using a Proton-K rocket with the serial number 352-01.

### Q: What scientific instrument did Granat carry?
A: Granat carried the SIGMA space telescope - PR 78, which was designed for X-ray and gamma-ray observations of celestial objects.

### Q: What happened to Granat after its mission?
A: Granat experienced depletion of its cold gas thruster in September 1994, lost signal on November 27, 1998, and ultimately re-entered Earth's atmosphere on May 25, 1999.

## Why It Matters
Granat represented a significant achievement in Soviet/Russian space-based astronomy, particularly in the field of X-ray observations. As one of the dedicated space observatories of its time, it contributed to our understanding of high-energy astronomical phenomena that would be difficult to detect from Earth due to atmospheric interference. The observatory's decade-long mission provided valuable scientific data that complemented observations from other space telescopes of the era. Its design and operational experience also informed the development of future space observatories, helping to advance the field of astrophysics and space exploration technology for the Soviet Union and later Russia.

## Notable For
- Granat was one of the dedicated X-ray observatories launched by the Soviet Union, specifically designed for high-energy astronomy.
- It had an unusually long operational life for its time, functioning from 1989 until 1999 despite initial challenges with its cold gas thruster in 1994.
- The observatory was notable for its international collaboration, being funded by both the Russian Space Research Institute and the National Center for Scientific Research.
- Granat was recognized with multiple aliases including International Astrophysical Observatory "GRANAT" and Astron 2, indicating its significance in the scientific community.

## Body
### Overview
Granat was a former Soviet/Russian space observatory that operated from 1989 to 1999. Classified as a space telescope, it was designed for observing distant space objects, particularly in the X-ray spectrum. The observatory was also known by several aliases, including International Astrophysical Observatory "GRANAT", Astron 2, 1AS No. 420, and GRANAT X-ray Satellite Mission.

### Technical Specifications
- Mass: 4400 kg (launch weight), 2300 kg (payload weight)
- Dimensions: 8.5 meters wide (spacecraft solar array), 6.5 meters in height
- Power source: Spacecraft solar array with 2 panels
- Scientific instrument: SIGMA space telescope - PR 78

### Mission Timeline
- Launch: December 1, 1989, at 20:20:57 from Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 200
- Launch vehicle: Proton-K (serial number 352-01)
- Depletion of cold gas thruster: September 1994
- Loss of signal: November 27, 1998
- Atmospheric entry: May 25, 1999

### Development and Operation
- Manufacturer: NPO Lavochkin
- Operator: Soviet space program
- Funders: Russian Space Research Institute, National Center for Scientific Research
- COSPAR ID: 1989-096A
- NSSDCA ID: 1989-096A
- Freebase ID: /m/03cjhh0
- Wolfram Language entity code: Entity["Satellite", "20352"]

## References

1. [Source](http://www.fas.org/spp/guide/russia/science/astronomy/granat.htm)
2. Jonathan's Space Report
3. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/granat.htm)
4. [Source](https://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/spacecraft/displayTrajectory.action?id=1989-096A)
5. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
6. [Source](https://heasarc.gsfc.nasa.gov/docs/granat/granat_about.html)
7. [Source](https://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/spacecraft/display.action?id=1989-096A)