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]