LARES (satellite)
LARES satellite | |
| Mission type | Laser ranging satellite Tests of general relativity |
|---|---|
| Operator | Italian Space Agency (ASI) |
| COSPAR ID | 2012-006A |
| SATCAT no. | 38077 |
| Website | http://www.lares-mission.com/ |
| Mission duration | LARES 1: 13 years, 4 months and 4 days (elapsed) LARES 2: 2 years, 11 months and 3 days (elapsed) |
| Spacecraft properties | |
| Manufacturer | Carlo Gavazzi Space |
| Launch mass | 386.8 kg |
| Dimensions | 36.4 cm (diameter) |
| Start of mission | |
| Launch date | 13 February 2012, 10:00:00 UTC 14 July 2022, 13:13:43 UTC |
| Rocket | Vega VV01 Vega-C VV21 |
| Launch site | Kourou, ELA-1 |
| Contractor | Arianespace |
| Orbital parameters | |
| Reference system | Geocentric orbit |
| Regime | Low Earth orbit |
| Perigee altitude | 1437 km |
| Apogee altitude | 1451 km |
| Inclination | 69.49° |
| Period | 114.75 minutes |
LARES (Laser Relativity Satellite) is a passive satellite system of the Italian Space Agency.