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Third Generation Photo Recons

The so-called third-generation photo recons are derived from the original Zenit-2 spy satellites and share many characteristics and systems with the manned Vostokspacecraft of the time and the Resurs-F1 civil Earth observation spacecraft of today. The spacecraft are approximately 2.4 m in diameter with a length of 6.5 m and a mass of about 6.3 metric tons. Film is returned (along with the entire camera system) in a spherical 2.3 m diameter, 2.4 metric ton capsule. Within each capsule is a special detonation package (originally 10 kg TNT) which is activated in the event that a malfunction would prevent a retrieval of the capsule on former Soviet territory (References 37-39).

In recent years, the launch rate of these battery-powered vehicles with lifetimes of 2-3 weeks has dropped dramatically as more capable, longer lived spacecraft have assumed medium-to-low-resolution reconnaissance duties. Only one third-generation Resurs-T spacecraft (possibly also designated Oblique)was launched from Plesetsk in each of 1993 and 1994 and both were described as fulfilling geodetic and cartographic objectives from high inclination (83 degree) orbits: Kosmos 2260 (22 July 1993) and Kosmos 2281 (7 June 1994). Characteristics of their camera systems are unknown.

REFERENCES

37. Aviatsiya I Kosmonavtika, March 1993, pp. 41-42.

38. Yu. M. Frumkin, Priroda, April 1993, pp. 72-78.

39. N. Dolgopolov, Komsomolskaya Pravda, 9 July 1993, p. 3.

40. DoD Authorization for FY 1987, House Armed Services Committee, US House of Representatives, 1986, p. 916, Testimony of General Randolph.

41. "USSR Boosts Reconnaissance Capabilities", Aviation Week and Space Technology, 21 January 1985, p.15.

42. "Statement of Rear Admiral Thomas A. Brooks, U.S. Navy Director of Naval Intelligence", before the Seapower, Strategic, and Criterial Materials Subcommittee of the House Armed Services Committee on Intelligence Issues, House of Representatives, 22 February 1989, p. 25.

43. D. Fulghum, Experts Report Advances in Capability of Soviet Reconnaissance Satellites, Defense News, 14 November 1988, p.14.

44. C. Covault, "USAF Eyes Advanced Russian Military Reconnaissance Imagery", Aviation Week and Space Technology, 23 May 1994, p. 53.

45. Novosti Kosmonavtiki, 17-31 December 1994, pp. 20-21.

46. Novosti Kosmonavtiki, 10-23 September 1994, p. 44 and 26 March-8 April 1995, pp. 31-32.

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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