NEXT SPACEFLIGHT

Status

Success

Cosmos 2228

Launch Time
Fri Dec 25, 1992 20:07 UTC

Rocket

Tsyklon-3
VKS RF
Status: Retired
Liftoff Thrust: 3,032 kN
Payload to LEO: 4,100 kg
Payload to GTO: 0 kg
Stages: 3
Strap-ons: 0
Rocket Height: 39.27 m
Fairing Diameter: 2.7 m
Fairing Height: 9.54 m

Mission Details

Cosmos 2228

Tselina-D (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 63 Tselina-D.

Payloads: 1
Total Mass: 1,750.0 kg
Low Earth Orbit

Location

Site 32/2, Plesetsk Cosmodrome, Russia

Stats

1992

96th orbital launch attempt

Tsyklon-3

102nd mission
5th mission of 1992
98th successful mission
26th consecutive successful mission