The Almaz-T (also designated Resurs-R) was a satellite dedicated to providing radar imaging capabilities used in geophysical, agricultural, geological, and environmental applications.

The Almaz-T ("diamond") spacecraft design was based on the Almaz crewed orbital station. The Almaz-T spacecraft had two 100 m² solar panels and batteries to provide power. The spacecraft used reaction wheels to maintain attitude and 3-axis stabilization. The interior was pressurized by nitrogen to sea level. The Almaz-T program had its origins in 1981 when the spacecraft was originally designed as a military reconnaissance craft. Although the basic layout of the Almaz space station was retained, it did not have any docking devices, so no Soyuz or Progress service craft could be used. Almaz-T was designed and manufactured and operated by NPO Machinostroenye.

The sensor was a 3 GHz (10 cm) S-band Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) that used two 1.5 × 15 m slotted waveguide antennas to obtain a resolution of 15 meters per pixel. Data was temporarily stored onboard using video tape recorders, and subsequently down-linked to the ground stations via the Luch GEO satellite. The first two missions carried each two Ekor-A SAR sensors, and Almaz-1 carried the improved Ekor-A1 system.