Magion 1
| Mission type | Magnetospheric research |
|---|---|
| Operator | Academy of Sciences of Czechoslovakia |
| Spacecraft properties | |
| Manufacturer | Academy of Sciences of Czechoslovakia |
| Start of mission | |
| Launch date | 24 October 1978 |
| Rocket | Kosmos-3M |
| Launch site | Plesetsk Cosmodrome |
| Orbital parameters | |
| Reference system | Geocentric orbit |
| Regime | Low Earth orbit |
Magion 1 was a Czechoslovak scientific satellite launched on 24 October 1978 as part of the Soviet Interkosmos programme.[1]
The mission was developed by the Academy of Sciences of Czechoslovakia to investigate plasma and electromagnetic phenomena in the Earth's magnetosphere and ionosphere.[1]
Mission
The satellite carried instruments designed to measure plasma parameters and electromagnetic waves in near-Earth space.[1]
Magion 1 separated from its parent spacecraft on 14 November 1978 and operated for several years before atmospheric re-entry.[2][1]
Legacy
Magion 1 was the first spacecraft in the Magion satellite series, followed by additional missions launched between 1989 and the 1990s as part of cooperative space research projects.[1][3] An asteroid, 2696 Magion, was named after the satellite in recognition of its contribution to space research.[4]
References
- ^ a b c d e "Magion History". Institute of Atmospheric Physics, CAS. Retrieved 2026-03-04.
- ^ "Magion satellite data". Czech Space Portal. Retrieved 2026-03-04.
- ^ Mracká, Barbora. "Current Challenges of the Czech Space Sector". Central European Academic Publishing. Retrieved 2026-03-04.
- ^ "(2696) Magion". Minor Planet Center. Retrieved 2026-03-04.