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.