# Spektr-R

> Russian radio astronomy satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q837749](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q837749)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spektr-R)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/spektr-r

## Summary
Spektr-R, also known as RadioAstron, was a Russian radio astronomy satellite designed to study distant celestial objects using a space-based radio telescope. Launched in 2011, it operated in a highly elliptical orbit around Earth, enabling high-resolution observations of cosmic radio sources at multiple wavelengths.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: July 18, 2011, from Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 45.
- **Mass**: 3,660 kg (launch weight), with a payload weight of 2,500 kg.
- **Orbit**: Highly elliptical, with an apoapsis of 338,541.5 km and periapsis of 10,651.6 km.
- **Operator**: Astro Space Center and NPO Lavochkin.
- **Mission Termination**: May 30, 2019, following a loss of signal on January 11, 2019.
- **Wavelengths**: Observed at 92 cm, 18 cm, 6 cm, and 1.3 cm.
- **Diameter**: 10 meters, with a focal length of 4.22 meters.
- **Power Consumption**: 2,400 watts.

## FAQs
### Q: What was the purpose of Spektr-R?
A: Spektr-R was designed for radio astronomy, enabling high-resolution observations of distant celestial objects using a space-based radio telescope.

### Q: When was Spektr-R launched and when did its mission end?
A: Spektr-R was launched on July 18, 2011, and its mission was terminated on May 30, 2019, following a loss of signal earlier that year.

### Q: What were the key specifications of Spektr-R?
A: Spektr-R had a mass of 3,660 kg at launch, a diameter of 10 meters, and operated in a highly elliptical orbit with an apoapsis of 338,541.5 km and periapsis of 10,651.6 km.

### Q: Who operated Spektr-R?
A: Spektr-R was operated by the Astro Space Center and NPO Lavochkin.

### Q: What wavelengths did Spektr-R observe?
A: Spektr-R observed at wavelengths of 92 cm, 18 cm, 6 cm, and 1.3 cm.

## Why It Matters
Spektr-R played a crucial role in advancing radio astronomy by providing a space-based platform for high-resolution observations of distant celestial objects. Its highly elliptical orbit allowed it to achieve unprecedented angular resolution, contributing significantly to our understanding of the universe. The satellite's ability to observe at multiple wavelengths enabled detailed studies of cosmic radio sources, including quasars, pulsars, and active galactic nuclei. Spektr-R's mission highlighted the importance of international collaboration in space science and demonstrated the capabilities of Russian space technology in the field of radio astronomy.

## Notable For
- **Highly Elliptical Orbit**: Spektr-R's orbit allowed for high-resolution observations, with an apoapsis of 338,541.5 km and periapsis of 10,651.6 km.
- **Multi-Wavelength Observations**: The satellite observed at wavelengths of 92 cm, 18 cm, 6 cm, and 1.3 cm, enabling detailed studies of various cosmic radio sources.
- **Large Diameter**: With a diameter of 10 meters, Spektr-R was one of the largest radio telescopes in space.
- **International Collaboration**: Spektr-R was a product of international cooperation, with contributions from various countries and organizations.
- **Mission Duration**: Despite its mission termination in 2019, Spektr-R operated for nearly eight years, providing valuable data for radio astronomy research.

## Body
### Launch and Orbit
Spektr-R was launched on July 18, 2011, from Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 45 using a Zenit-3F rocket. The satellite operated in a highly elliptical orbit around Earth, with an apoapsis of 338,541.5 km and periapsis of 10,651.6 km. This orbit allowed Spektr-R to achieve high-resolution observations of distant celestial objects.

### Technical Specifications
Spektr-R had a mass of 3,660 kg at launch, with a payload weight of 2,500 kg. The satellite had a diameter of 10 meters and a focal length of 4.22 meters. It consumed 2,400 watts of power and observed at wavelengths of 92 cm, 18 cm, 6 cm, and 1.3 cm.

### Operators and Manufacturers
Spektr-R was operated by the Astro Space Center and NPO Lavochkin. The satellite was manufactured by NPO Lavochkin and launched by the Roscosmos State Corporation.

### Mission and Termination
Spektr-R's mission was to conduct radio astronomy observations, contributing to our understanding of the universe. The satellite's mission was terminated on May 30, 2019, following a loss of signal on January 11, 2019.

### Significance and Impact
Spektr-R's highly elliptical orbit and multi-wavelength observations enabled detailed studies of cosmic radio sources, including quasars, pulsars, and active galactic nuclei. The satellite's mission highlighted the importance of international collaboration in space science and demonstrated the capabilities of Russian space technology in the field of radio astronomy.

## Schema Markup
```json
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Thing",
  "name": "Spektr-R",
  "description": "Russian radio astronomy satellite designed to study distant celestial objects using a space-based radio telescope.",
  "url": "http://www.asc.rssi.ru/radioastron/",
  "sameAs": [
    "https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q206855",
    "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spektr-R"
  ],
  "additionalType": "SpaceTelescope"
}

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
3. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_stage/fregat.htm)
4. [Source](https://naif.jpl.nasa.gov/pub/naif/toolkit_docs/C/req/naif_ids.html)