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Resurs-Spektr

As early as 1989 Russian officials indicated that future civil Earth observation satellites may employ digital electronic transmission techniques in realtime or near-realtime like the current fifth-generation military photographic reconnaissance satellites. This capability may soon be realized under the new Resurs-Spektr program. Resurs-Spektr V spacecraft appear to be modified fifth-generation satellites and reportedly will produce 3-5 m resolution stereo images. Almaz-class phased-array antennas enable downlinks via geostationary relay satellites. A second Resurs-Spektr variant, Resurs-Spektr Rl, with a sidelooking radar has also been proposed (References 714-715). Another possible replacement for the Resurs-F class of spacecraft is an imaging variant of the Kuban spacecraft which has been under development for several years for microgravity research (Reference 716).

714. Sotsialisticheskaya Industriya, 17 September 1989, p. 4.

715. "CIS Satellites Displayed", Aviation Week and Space Technology, 26 June 1995, p. 51.

716. Nezavisimaya Gazeta, 10 June 1993, p. 6.

Sources and Resources

• Adapted from: Europe and Asia in Space 1993-1994, Nicholas Johnson and David Rodvold [Kaman Sciences / Air Force Phillips Laboratory]

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