Yantar satellites are more accurate ground observation satellites than the Zenit satellites previously used. The big innovation compared to the Zenit satellites is the compartment for the return of photographic film, which is no longer shaped like a sphere but like a cone.

Yantar have a big advantage, which even the American KH-7 does not have, because it will be equipped with two small capsules (SK) that will allow to return films to Earth without waiting for the end of the satellite mission. In addition, the camera and on-board computer will be reusable. The Yantar will also be equipped with the new Kondor orientation control system, developed by KF TsKBEM.

The different versions of the satellites are called Yantar-xK, the letter K designating the manufacturer Kuybichev who designed and built these satellites. The Yantar-2K satellites are nicknamed Feniks, the Yantar-1KFT Kometa and the Yantar-4K Kobalt.

It should be noted that the Yantar-4KS1M are not recoverable, and transmit their pictures directly from orbit, thus reducing the time between the taking of pictures and their acquisition by the Soviet armed forces.