It was announced that the two satellites had a design life of at least two years, and would be used to probe the space environment, radiation and its effects, record space physical environment parameters, and conduct other related space experiments.
Low Earth OrbitSoyuz TMA-13 begins Expedition 18 by carrying 3 astronauts and cosmonauts to the International Space Station. Russian Commander, cosmonaut Yuri Lonchakov alongside Flight Engineer, Michael Fincke (NASA) & spaceflight participant Richard Garriott (Space Adventures) will launch aboard the Soyuz spacecraft from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan and then rendezvous with the station. It landed on 8 April 2009, 07:16 UTC
Low Earth Orbit