DS-P1-Yu explained

DS-P1-Yu
Operator:Soviet Union
Mission Type:Calibrating the Dnestr space surveillance and early-warning radar system
Launch Rocket:Kosmos-2I 63S1
Launch Mass:193–240 kg
Orbit Period:60 days

DS-P1-Yu was a series of Soviet satellites developed by the Yuzhnoye Design Office, for use in calibrating the Dnestr space surveillance and early-warning radar system. Between 1964 and 1976, a total of 79 satellites were launched on Kosmos-2I 63S1 launchers, with seven failing to reach orbit.[1] [2]

The dodecahedral satellites had a mass of 193kg-240kgkg (425lb-530lbkg) and an operational lifetime of 60 days. They were covered in solar panels and a metallic mesh transparent to visible spectrum light and opaque to radio frequencies.[1] [2]

The DS-P1-Yu replaced the similar DS-P1, of which four were launched between 1962 and 1964, with one failure to reach orbit.[3]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Adjustment and Calibration Spacecraft. Yuzhnoye Design Office. 22 March 2017. 23 March 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170323054921/http://www.yuzhnoye.com/en/company/history/adjustment-and-calibration-spacecraft.html. live.
  2. Web site: Krebs. Gunter Dirk. DS-P1-Yu (11F618). Gunter's Space Page. 22 March 2017. 11 October 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20121011073037/http://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/ds-p1-yu.htm. live.
  3. Web site: Krebs. Gunter Dirk. DS-P1. Gunter's Space Page. 22 March 2017. 6 May 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170506033942/http://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/ds-p1.htm. live.