POISK
Poisk is a Russian docking and research module attached to the International Space Station. Launched in 2009, it added a docking port, airlock capability for Russian spacewalks and space for scientific work. Its name translates roughly to 'Search' or 'Explore,' which fits its role as both an operational and research component of the station.
Object identity
- NORAD ID
- 36086
- COSPAR ID
- 2009-060A
- Operator
- Not listed
- Country
- Not listed
- Launch date
- Not listed
Immediate discovery
Why this satellite matters
Poisk shows how a station is not a single spacecraft but a linked system of modules, ports, trusses, laboratories and visiting vehicles whose mass and geometry evolve over time.
Understanding the mission
Science and engineering ideas
Poisk shows how a station is not a single spacecraft but a linked system of modules, ports, trusses, laboratories and visiting vehicles whose mass and geometry evolve over time.
Mission
Mission and purpose
Objects in this category may be crewed stations, modules, cargo vehicles, or other spacecraft directly connected with human activity in orbit. The exact role depends on the individual object.
- Poisk shows how a station is not a single spacecraft but a linked system of modules, ports, trusses, laboratories and visiting vehicles whose mass and geometry evolve over time.
Design
Engineering
Poisk shows how a station is not a single spacecraft but a linked system of modules, ports, trusses, laboratories and visiting vehicles whose mass and geometry evolve over time.
Real orbital values
The mathematics
The current two-line element set reports approximately 15.4915 revolutions per day. Dividing 1,440 minutes by that value gives an estimated orbital period of 93 minutes.
Period
93 min
Representative speed
27,568 km/h
Representative altitude
426 km
Inclination
51.63°
Launch record
Launch and deployment
Poisk launched on 10 November 2009 aboard a Soyuz-U rocket as part of a Progress-derived module spacecraft and docked with the ISS several days later.
Orbit
LEO orbit explained
Low Earth orbit is the region closest to Earth used by most crewed spacecraft, many science missions, Earth-observation satellites, and large constellations. Objects move quickly and commonly complete an orbit in roughly 90 to 130 minutes.
LEO can provide detailed Earth views, lower communications delay, and easier access than higher orbits, but it covers less area per spacecraft and is more affected by atmospheric drag.
Live TransitSatellite experience
See POISK moving now
Open the live tracker to view its current calculated position, trajectory, orbital information, visibility tools, and Save and Share controls.
Learning
Questions to explore
- Why do low-orbiting stations circle Earth many times per day?
- How do crews receive power, supplies, and communications in orbit?
Evidence
Sources and data notes
Current identity and orbital elements come from CelesTrak’s public GP data. Calculated orbit values are derived from the current TLE and may change after catalog updates. Mission-history claims are added separately and require authoritative sources.
Catalog updated
Sep 17, 2026, 4:36 PM UTC
Story review
1970-01-01T00:00:00.000Z