2006
Space milestones
ASI orders reach a peak
In 2006, orders from the Italian Space Agency to Kayser reach one of the highest levels in the company’s history. The result confirms the central role of collaboration with ASI in the development of Kayser’s activities.
New Horizons sets off for Pluto
On 19 January, New Horizons is launched, a compact probe equipped with seven scientific instruments and destined for the first close-up exploration of Pluto.
Missions & Payloads
PAMELA
Satellite-borne magnetic spectrometer dedicated to studying cosmic rays and antimatter, designed to measure positrons, antiprotons, protons, electrons and light nuclei. The name derives from Payload for Antimatter Matter Exploration and Light-nuclei Astrophysics. It combines a permanent magnet, a silicon tracking system, a silicon-tungsten electromagnetic calorimeter, a time-of-flight system, an anticoincidence system and a neutron detector. It is launched on 15 June 2006 from Baikonur aboard the Russian Resurs-DK1 satellite, into an elliptical orbit with an altitude ranging from approximately 350 to 600 km and an inclination of 70°.
RESURS DK1
Russian high-resolution Earth observation mission. The satellite also hosts scientific instruments, including the PAMELA experiment, dedicated to studying cosmic rays.
STROMA
Experiment dedicated to studying the proliferation and differentiation of bone marrow stromal cells in microgravity. It uses STROMA/KEU-ST bioreactors developed by Kayser Italia.
SOYUZ 12S
Crewed mission to the International Space Station. It transports the main Expedition 13 crew and remains docked to the station as a vehicle available for a potential emergency return.