Launch Success
Liftoff Time (GMT)
18:31:35
Saturday July 26, 2008
The Persona (reportedly also named Kvarts) satellite is reportedly a new electro-optical reconnaissance satellite. Persona features a LOMO-built optical system called 17V321 developed from the system used on the Araks-N (Arkon) satellite. The imaging payload was based on one originally designed for the Sapfir-V high orbit imaging satellite project, which featured an 1.5 m primary mirror. After Sapfir-V was cancelled, components for three payloads were transferred to Persona. The imaging payload is mounted to a TsSKB Progress built Resurs-DK1/Yantar-derived or to a new service module. An illustration published in a Russian military document in context of the Persona satellite shows a satellite with a new service module and cruciform solar arrays, although it is not confirmed, that it in fact shows Persona.
Sun-Synchronous Orbit
1 Payload
7,000 kilograms
Manufacturer
RKK EnergiyaPrice
$20.00 million
Rocket
Height: 44.08m
Payload to Orbit
LEO: 8,020 kg
GTO: 0 kg
Liftoff Thrust
4,550 Kilonewtons
Fairing
Diameter: 4.11m
Height: 8.36m
Stages
3
Strap-ons
4
2nd
Mission
1st
Mission of 2008
37th
Orbital launch attempt