NEXT SPACEFLIGHT

Status

Success

Cosmos 2278

Launch Time
Sat Apr 23, 1994 08:01 UTC

Rocket

Zenit-2
VKS RF
Status: Retired
Liftoff Thrust: 7,257 kN
Payload to LEO: 13,500 kg
Payload to GTO: 4,500 kg
Stages: 2
Strap-ons: 0
Rocket Height: 57.0 m
Fairing Diameter: 3.9 m
Fairing Height: 13.65 m

Mission Details

Cosmos 2278

Tselina-2 (Russian: Целина) is a Russian, formerly Soviet, military space-based radio surveillance system. It is capable of determining the exact location of radio-emitting objects and also their type, modes of operation, and how active they are. For instance, preparation for a military operation may raise the activity of the radio communications. Detection of these communications by a space-based surveillance system can provide early warning of this activity, warning that may be unavailable by other means.

Based on the first generation Tselina-D ELINT, TSNII-KS at the beginning of the 1970's developed the specifications for an improved model with increased frequency range and on-board method of determining the position of fixed transmitters. The new specification for a universal Army-Navy system called for a satellite with increased mass and lifetime. This would be launched by the Zenit-2 launcher, replacing the separate earlier-generation systems. Data transmission was directly to ground stations via geosynchronous communications satellites.

A total of 137 Tselina satellites were launched, of which 23 Tselina-2 (21 were launched by Zenit, and 2 by Proton).

Payloads: 1
Total Mass: 3,250.0 kg
Low Earth Orbit

Location

Site 45/1, Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan

Stats

1994

24th orbital launch attempt

Zenit

22nd mission
1st mission of 1994
15th successful mission
5th consecutive successful mission