Satis Spacecraft - Nanosats Database

Name	Satis
Form factor	CubeSat
Units or mass	12U
Status	not launched, expected in 2029
Launcher	not launched
Entity name	ESA (European Space Agency)
Institution	Institute
Entity type	Government (Civil / Military)
Country	Belgium
Oneliner	Apophis Rendezvous Mission.
Description	Envisaged as a demonstrator for a cost-effective and fast reconnaissance capability in order to ensure such a capability is ready to respond to emerging threats in the future. Rendezvous with Apophis two months prior to its close encounter with Earth on Friday 13th April 2029 at 31,500 km altitude over Atlantic ocean. Characterise change in physical properties before/during/after close encounter. Profile: launch May 2027 to SSO 500 km with 350 kg kick stage, kick stage burn to Earth escape, 2-year transfer with M-ARGO electric propulsion. Status: Phase A/B approved, two parallel Phase A studies planned to start in Q3 2023 (open competition).
Notes	Still in study phase so ESA as placeholder organization. Parallel studies will start in 2023.
Sources	[1] [2] [3]
Photo sources	[1]
Keywords	Propulsion, Beyond Earth orbit

Last modified: 2025-01-01