Kanopus
Image of Kanopus-V Spacecraft | |
| Mission type | Earth observation |
|---|---|
| Operator | Roscosmos (Kanopus-V, V-IK & VO) VKS (Kanopus-ST) |
| COSPAR ID | 2018-111A |
| SATCAT no. | 43876 |
| Mission duration | 5 years |
| Spacecraft properties | |
| Manufacturer | NPP VNIIEM |
| Launch mass | 473 kg (1,043 lb) |
| Start of mission | |
| Launch date | First: 22 July 2012 (Kanopus-V №1 & BKA) Last (recent): 27 December 2018 (Kanopus-V №5 & 6) |
| Rocket | Soyuz-FG/Fregat Soyuz-2.1v/Volga Soyuz-2.1a/Fregat-M |
| 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 |
Kanopus also known as Canopus, is a series of Russian Earth Observation satellite developed and operated by Roscosmos, primarily through the Research and Production Corporation VNIIEM. The program is designed for real-time monitoring of natural and man-made disasters, environmental changes, agriculture, cartography, and resource management. The Kanopus satellites operate in Sun-synchronous orbits at approximately 500–510 km altitude, offering high-resolution imaging and frequent revisits. The program emphasizes cost-effective, modular designs using the Kanopus bus platform, with contributions from international partners such as Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL) of the United Kingdom for avionics and software.