2026-244Latest orbital launch: Falcon 9 · Starlink Group 15-16 · Oct 27, 2026 · VandenbergLaunch record →
sci-techmaventhe history of spaceflight, in data
  1. Home
  2. Spacecraft
  3. LARES
// technology · 2012

LARES

Satellite. LARES was launched on February 13, 2012 aboard a Vega from Kourou. Latest status in GCAT: in orbit.

COSPAR 2012-006ANORAD 38077Italy

Identity

Name in GCAT
LARES
International designator
2012-006A
NORAD catalog number
38077
GCAT identifier
S38077
UN registration
ST/SG/SER.E/652

Mission

Mission type
Technology
Use
Civil government
Program
ASI
Owner
ASI
Country
Italy
Builder
OHB CGS S.p.A., Compagnia Generale per lo Spazio
Platform (bus)
Lares

Launch

Date
February 13, 2012 · 10:00 UTC
Launch record
2012-006Success
Rocket
Vega
Spaceport
Kourou · pad ZLV

Orbit and fate

Orbit class (GCAT)
LEO/I
Perigee
1,435 km
Apogee
1,452 km
Inclination
69.48°
Status
In orbit
Last known active
Feb 13, 2012
End of operations
Feb 13, 2012

Size

Mass
400 kg
Dry mass
400 kg
Length
0.4 m
Diameter
0.40 m
Span
0.4 m

Source: GCAT payload, deep-space and lander catalogs, Jonathan C. McDowell (CC BY 4.0); Wikidata Q427370 (CC0).