Yantar-4K2M

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Yantar-4K2M
ManufacturerTsSKB
Country of originRussia
OperatorGRU
ApplicationsReconnaissance satellite
Specifications
BusYantar
Equipmentfilm camera
RegimeLow Earth Orbit
Production
StatusRetired
Launched10
Operational0
Retired10
Maiden launch24 September 2004 ()
Last launch5 June 2015 ()
Last retirement17 September 2015 ()
Related spacecraft
Derived fromYantar-4K2

Yantar-4K2M (Russian: Янтарь meaning amber), also known as Kobalt-M, is a type of Russian reconnaissance satellite and is the current operational member of the Yantar series of satellites. In common with most Yantar satellites the Kobalt-M uses film rather than digital cameras. This allows a better quality of photographs.[citation needed] The drawback is film cannot be sent to Earth so easily, so Yantar satellites require special way of delivery.

The Kobalt-M is an improved version of the Kobalt satellite and the first one was launched as in 2004. It returns three sets of film during its mission. The first two land in film return canisters (called SpK - Spuskayemaya Kapsula) and a final set of film returns in the satellite's special equipment module.[1][2][3][4] Image resolution is reportedly 30 cm.[4]

Ten satellites of this series were launched, the last one in 2015; no further orders are planned. Further reconnaissance missions are carried out by the Persona-class satellites.[4]

Launches[]

Satellite Launch Date[4] Landing Date[4] Mission Length
24 September 2004 10 January 2005 108 days
3 May 2006 19 July 2006 76 days
7 June 2007 23 August 2007 76 days
Kosmos 2445 14 November 2008 23 February 2009 101 days
29 April 2009 27 July 2009 89 days
10 April 2010 21 July 2010 102 days
Kosmos 2472 27 June 2011 24 October 2011 119 days
Kosmos 2480 17 May 2012 24 September 2012 130 days
6 May 2014 02 September 2014 119 days
[5] 5 June 2015[5] 17 September 2015 104 days

References[]

  1. ^ Podvig, Pavel (2005-11-23). "Kobalt-M and other reconnaissance satellites". Russian Strategic Nuclear Forces. Retrieved 2013-05-09.
  2. ^ Podvig, Pavel; Zuang, Hui (2008). Russian and Chinese Responses to US Military Plans in Space (PDF). Cambridge, MA: American Academy of Arts and Sciences. ISBN 0-87724-068-X.
  3. ^ Krebs, Gunter. "Yantar-4K2M (Kobalt-M, 11F695M ?)". Gunter's Space Page. Retrieved 2012-06-01.
  4. ^ Jump up to: a b c d e Zak, Anatoly (2012-09-28). "Kobalt-M satellite". Russian Space Web. Retrieved 2016-03-14.
  5. ^ Jump up to: a b Russia conducts surprise Soyuz 2-1A launch carrying Kobalt-M NASASpaceFlight.com
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