The launch of the first Belorussian satellite is planned for late this year, Russian media reported Monday.
The Belorussian embassy in Moscow said Russia is to launch the BelKA satellite using the Dnepr launch vehicle - a converted SS-18 Satan missile - on Dec. 5, the RIA Novosti news agency reported.
BelKA is being developed by Russian rocket and space company Energia for the Belorussian Academy of Sciences.
The satellite is designed to do geodetic, cartographic and meteorological surveys for five years. BelKA, about 550 pounds in weight, will orbit Earth at an altitude of 317-320 miles. The payback period of the satellite, which will cost an estimated $9 million, is six months.
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Orbital Awarded Contract By USAF To Provide Responsive Launch Vehicles
Dulles VA (SPX) May 10, 2005
Orbital Sciences was recently awarded a launch services contract by the U.S. Air Force involving two new small launch vehicles to serve the U.S. military's need for responsive space launch capabilities, the company stated today.
