# Sfera

> defunct series of Soviet geodetic satellites

**Wikidata**: [Q2276074](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q2276074)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sfera_(satellite_series))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/sfera

## Summary
Sfera is a defunct Soviet series of geodetic spacecraft models used for the research and application of geodesy. The Sfera satellites were manufactured by JSC Information Satellite Systems Reshetnev, powered by solar cell panels, and were later replaced by the GEO-IK program.

## Key Facts
- Sfera is a defunct series of Soviet geodetic satellites (spacecraft models) used in geodesy.
- Country of origin: Soviet Union.
- Manufacturer: JSC Information Satellite Systems Reshetnev.
- Power source: solar cell panel.
- Instance of: spacecraft model; subclass of: geodetic satellite.
- Replaced by: GEO-IK.
- Alias: Сфера (КА).
- Wikipedia title: Sfera (satellite series); available in at least 9 language editions.
- Representative image: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/Postal_Card_of_Russia_-_2016_-_214_-_50_Years_of_Sfera.png
- Google Knowledge Graph ID: /g/121gpg9h

## FAQs
### Q: What was the primary purpose of the Sfera satellites?
A: Sfera satellites were geodetic spacecraft used in the research and application of geodesy, i.e., measuring and understanding the Earth's geometric shape, orientation in space, and gravity field.

### Q: Who built the Sfera satellites?
A: The Sfera series was manufactured by JSC Information Satellite Systems Reshetnev.

### Q: Are Sfera satellites still operational?
A: No. The Sfera series is described as defunct and was later replaced by the GEO-IK program.

### Q: What powered Sfera satellites?
A: Sfera satellites were powered by solar cell panels.

## Why It Matters
Sfera represents a component of the Soviet Union’s space-based geodetic capability. Geodetic satellites provide critical measurements used in mapping, surveying, monitoring Earth's shape and gravity, and supporting precise navigation and earth-science research. As a dedicated series of spacecraft models focused on geodesy, Sfera formed part of the technical lineage of Soviet/Russian efforts to obtain spaceborne geodetic data. Its manufacture by JSC Information Satellite Systems Reshetnev places it within the output of a major Russian spacecraft builder. The fact that Sfera is now defunct and was replaced by the GEO-IK program indicates technological and programmatic evolution in Soviet/Russian geodetic satellite systems. For historians of space technology, satellite geodesy researchers, and those studying the development of Earth observation capabilities, Sfera is a relevant example of Cold War–era and post‑Cold War satellite development and its transition to successor programs.

## Notable For
- Being a Soviet series specifically categorized as geodetic satellites (spacecraft models) focused on geodesy.
- Manufactured by JSC Information Satellite Systems Reshetnev, a principal Russian satellite builder.
- Use of solar cell panels as the spacecraft power source.
- Serving as a precursor that was later replaced by the GEO-IK program.
- Known by the Russian alias Сфера (КА).

## Body

### Overview
- Sfera is identified as a series of spacecraft models operated by the Soviet Union.
- The series is classified as geodetic satellites, meaning their missions related to geodesy.
- The series is currently described as defunct and succeeded by the GEO-IK program.

### Purpose and Role
- Parent class: geodetic satellite — artificial satellites used in the research and application of geodesy.
- Sfera’s role falls within measuring and supporting tasks associated with Earth's geometry, orientation, and gravity from space.

### Manufacturer and Origin
- Manufacturer: JSC Information Satellite Systems Reshetnev.
- Country: Soviet Union.
- Alias/name in Russian: Сфера (КА).

### Technical Characteristics
- Instance of: spacecraft model.
- Subclass of: geodetic satellite.
- Power system: solar cell panel.
- Representative image available at: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/Postal_Card_of_Russia_-_2016_-_214_-_50_Years_of_Sfera.png

### Operational Status and Succession
- Operational status: defunct.
- Replacement: the GEO-IK program is listed as the successor to Sfera.

### Identification and References
- Wikipedia article title: Sfera (satellite series).
- Available Wikipedia language editions include: German, English, French, Galician, Hebrew, Hungarian, Italian, Portuguese, Russian (total sitelink_count: 9).
- Google Knowledge Graph identifier: /g/121gpg9h

### Disambiguation
- Property listed as different_from: Sfera, indicating other uses or entities share the name and require disambiguation.

## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/sfera.htm)