Status
Success
Cosmos 540
Launch Time
Mon Dec 25, 1972 23:05 UTC
Mon Dec 25, 1972 23:05 UTC
Rocket
Mission Details
Cosmos 540
Cosmos 540 is a satellite of the Strela-2M constellation. These satellites operate as mailboxes: they remember the received messages and then resend them after scheduled time, or by command from the Earth. Some sources state the satellites are capable of only three months of active operation, but in accordance to others they can serve for about five years. The satellites are used for transmission of encrypted messages and images.
Payloads: 8
Total Mass: 400.0 kg
Low Earth Orbit
Location
Site 132/2, Plesetsk Cosmodrome, Russia
Stats
1972
111th orbital launch attempt
Cosmos-3
82nd mission
15th mission of 1972
71st successful mission
4th consecutive successful mission