Launch Success
Liftoff Time (GMT)
15:36:00
Tuesday February 21, 1984
Cosmos 1538 satellite 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
323rd
Mission
5th
Mission of 1984
1783rd
Mission
13th
Mission of 1984
19th
Orbital launch attempt