AryabhataFull resolution image
Aryabhata was India’s first satellite, named after a ancient Indian
mathematician (5th century AD). It was launched by the Russians on
19 April 1975 from Kapustin Yar. The 96.3 minute orbit had an apogee of 619
km and a perigee of 563 km, at an inclination of 50.7 degrees. Aryabhata was
built by the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) to conduct experiments
in X-ray astronomy, aeronomics, and solar physics. The spacecraft was a
26-sided polygon 1.4 m in diameter. All faces (except the top and bottom) were
covered with solar cells. A power failure halted experiments after 4 days
in orbit. All signals from the spacecraft were lost after 5 days of operation.
The satellite reentered the Earth’s atmosphere on 11 February 1992. |
HEASARC Staff Scientist Position - Applications are now being accepted for a Staff Scientist with significant experience and interest in the technical aspects of astrophysics research, to work in the High Energy Astrophysics Science Archive Research Center (HEASARC) at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) in Greenbelt, MD. Refer to the AAS Job register for full details.
Mission Overview 