NEXT SPACEFLIGHT

Status

Success

Cosmos 2344

Launch Time
Fri Jun 06, 1997 16:56 UTC

Rocket

Proton-K/Block DM-5
Roscosmos
Status: Retired
Liftoff Thrust: 9,548 kN
Payload to LEO: 19,000 kg
Payload to GTO: 2,500 kg
Stages: 4
Strap-ons: 0
Rocket Height: 57.64 m
Fairing Diameter: 4.35 m
Fairing Height: 10.4 m

Mission Details

Cosmos 2344

The Araks-N was a electro-optical area reconnaissance satellite, which had reportedly a resolution of 2 - 10 m (panchromatic and infra red). Its high orbit gave it a longer loitering time over the target.

Araks-N was built on NPO Lavochkin's Arkon platform, which was a development of the proven Mars / Venera interplanetary platforms. LOMO, St. Petersburg provided the 1.5 m telescope (17V317) for the satellite.

Araks-N 1 (Kosmos 2344) was successfully launched on 6. June 1997, but suffered an battery failure immediately after reaching orbit. The satellite could be operated for 4 months, but was finally lost.

Payloads: 1
Total Mass: 7,500.0 kg
Low Earth Orbit

Location

Site 200/39, Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan

Stats

1997

30th orbital launch attempt

Proton-K

242nd mission
2nd mission of 1997
212th successful mission
2nd consecutive successful mission