These spacecraft were designed and built by engineers at the Advanced Microsatellites Laboratory (Center for Engineering Systems and Sciences).

Fig. 1. The “Skoltech B1” and “Skoltech B2” satellites at the Advanced Microsatellites Laboratory (Center for Engineering Systems and Sciences).

The mission’s primary objective is to test the inter-satellite communication system that enables interaction between the two spacecraft. In addition, the satellites are equipped with the “DEKOR” gamma-ray detector, developed at the  D.V. Skobeltsyn Institute of Nuclear Physics (SINP) Of Moscow State University. Using the communication channel between the two satellites, joint gamma-ray observations were conducted. This project also serves as a technological demonstration of the many engineering solutions incorporated into the platform.

Fig. 2. Launch of the “Skoltech B1” and “Skoltech B2” satellites into orbit aboard a Soyuz-2.1b rocket with a Fregat upper stage from the Baikonur Cosmodrome on August 9, 2022.

The mission was carried out as part of the “Planet Watch” and “SpacePi” programs and aims to engage high school students in space exploration, as well as to provide comprehensive support for STEM activities in Russia.