Cosmos 968

Launch Success

Liftoff Time (GMT)

04:25:00

Friday December 16, 1977

Mission Details

Cosmos 968

Cosmos 968 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.

Low Earth Orbit

1 Payload

800 kilograms

Rocket

Retired
Cosmos-3M

Active 1967 to 2010

OKB-586 logo

Manufacturer

OKB-586

Rocket

Height: 32.42m

Payload to Orbit

LEO: 1,500 kg

GTO: 0 kg

Liftoff Thrust

1,486 Kilonewtons

Fairing

Diameter: 2.44m

Height: 5.72m

Stages

2

Launch Site

Site 132/1

Plesetsk Cosmodrome, Russia

Fastest Turnaround

2 days 5 hours

Stats

Cosmos-3


194th

Mission

28th

Mission of 1977

OKB-586


1186th

Mission

97th

Mission of 1977

1977


125th

Orbital launch attempt