Aist (satellite)
| Mission type | Earth observation |
|---|---|
| Operator | Roscosmos Samara National Research University |
| Mission duration | 3 years |
| Spacecraft properties | |
| Manufacturer | TsSKB-Progress |
| Start of mission | |
| Launch date | First: 19 April 2013 (Aist 1 №2) Last (recent): 28 April 2016 (Aist-2D) |
| Rocket | Soyuz-2.1v Soyuz-2.1a Soyuz-2.1b |
| Launch site | Baikonur, Site 31/6 Plesetsk, Site 43/4 Vostochny, Site 1S |
| Contractor | Roscosmos |
| Orbital parameters | |
| Reference system | Geocentric orbit |
| Regime | Sun-synchronous orbit |
The Aist (Russian: Аист, meaning "Stork") satellites are a series of Russian microsatellites developed primarily by students, postgraduates, and researchers at Samara National Research University (formerly Samara State Aerospace University, SGAU) in collaboration with TsSKB-Progress (now part of Roscosmos). The Aist program focuses on technology demonstration, Earth remote sensing, and scientific experiments in low Earth orbit (LEO). Initiated in the early 2010s as an educational and cost-effective initiative, the series includes Aist 2, Aist 1, and the more advanced Aist-2D, with follow-on models like Aist-2T planned for future launches.