An Italian MITA satellite failed to separate from the second stage of a Russian Cosmos 3M booster after launch from Plesetsk on 15 July. The booster successfully carried two German satellites into 450km (280 miles) orbits.
The Italian Space Agency's 170kg (370lb) MITA satellite, launched at a cost of $2.1 million, was carrying the Nina sensor to study cosmic rays and the Earth's magnetic field. The sensor was due to work in tandem with the first Nina, which was launched in 1998.
The MITA satellite also carries a Microsensor for Attitude and Orbit Measurement System developed by Astrium.
Further MITA-based payloads planned by Italy include the Agile gamma ray sensor, and possible flights by Canada and Egypt, including the Desertsat, which will monitor the movement of dunes.
The German Champ spacecraft carries a payload providing data on the Earth's dynamics, ocean and atmosphere. The second German satellite, Bird-Rubin, is a 37kg minisatellite demonstrating technology payloads.
Source: Flight International
