GEO-1K-2 to feature French altimeter

DATELINE: BAIKONUR March 4

The GEO-IK-2 geodesic satellite will be launched in 2010 to conduct high precision measurements of the Earth’s surface, Reshetnev Information Satellite Systems General Designer and Director Nikolai Testoyedov told Interfax.

“The satellite will be gliding at an altitude of 1,100 kilometers and making Earth surface measurements with the precision of five centimeters with the help of the Sadko altimeter [made in France]. That is necessary for the Glonass navigation satellite system,” Testoyedov said.

The satellite will supply precise information about Earth’s parameters, such as rotation and shape, he said.

The Reshetnev is building the satellite to revive the Russian space geodesic system. Two GEO-IK-2 satellites will be sent into orbit.

Source: Interfax-AVN