NSSDCA/COSPAR ID: 1993-061B
Stella was a 48 kg French satellite that was launched along with SPOT 3. It was a dense sphere of uranium alloy with 60 laser reflectors on the surface. Reflected laser beams enabled accurate geodetic measurements for the determination, with an accuracy of 1 cm, of the geoid, of oceanic and terrestrial tides, and of tectonic movements. It joined its still operational twin, Starlette, that was launched in 1975.
Launch Date: 1993-09-26
Launch Vehicle: Ariane
Launch Site: Kourou, French Guiana
Mass: 48 kg
Questions and comments about this spacecraft can be directed to: Coordinated Request and User Support Office