Yantar-4KS1 (Terilen, 11F694)

USSR


Yantar-4KS1 (Artist impression of similar Yantar-E1)

The Terilen were the first series of soviet electro-optical reconnaisance satellites. They transmitted the data via Potok (Geizer) relay satellites.

The Yantar-2K was not capable of providing strategic warning of attack and fast reaction due to the need to return the film. Therefore additional variants were developed, one of them the detailed electro-optical and operational reconnaissance satellite Yantar-4KS. The spacecraft was designed to relay visual and infrared band images via a digital data link to the planned Potok-Luch GKRSS relay satellite system.

There were two phases to the project plan. The first phase spacecraft, the Yantar-4KS1, would be launched by the Soyuz-U2 launch vehicle, begin flight trials of system components in 1979, with the system to be accepted into the military by 1981. Phase 2 would be the more capable Yantar-4KS2, launched by the more powerful Zenit-2 launch vehicle, with flight trials to begin in 1983.

Soviet digital electronics technology hampered a fast development. The structure and wire harnesses for the first spacecraft were completed in 1978, but delays in the electronics meant that the first flight could not begin until the end of 1982. But the very first trials flight, in conjunction with the first Potok communications relay satellite, proved the worth of the system, with immediate operational use of the imagery. Yantar-4KS1 was accepted into military service in 1985.

On 1 June 1983 the Yantar-4KS2 was cancelled and it was decided to modernise the Yantar-4KS1 instead forming the Yantar-4KS1M. Typical orbital profile of the satellites was: inclination 64.9 degrees with an altitude of 230-280 km or 180-270 km.


Type / Application: Reconnaisance, photo (data transmitting)
Operator:  
Contractors:  
Configuratation: Yantar Bus

 

Satellite Date LS Launcher Remarks:
Cosmos 1426 [Yantar-4KS1 #1, Terilen #1] 28.12.1982 B Soyuz-U2  
Cosmos 1552 [Yantar-4KS1 #2, Terilen #2] 14.05.1984 B Soyuz-U2  
Cosmos 1643 [Yantar-4KS1 #3, Terilen #3] 25.03.1985 B Soyuz-U2  
Cosmos 1731 [Yantar-4KS1 #4, Terilen #4] 07.02.1986 B Soyuz-U2   .

Cosmos 1770 [Yantar-4KS1 #5, Terilen #5] 06.08.1986 B Soyuz-U2  
Cosmos 1810 [Yantar-4KS1 #6, Terilen #6] 26.12.1986 B Soyuz-U2  
Cosmos 1836 [Yantar-4KS1 #7, Terilen #7] 16.04.1987 B Soyuz-U2  
Cosmos 1881 [Yantar-4KS1 #8, Terilen #8] 11.09.1987 B Soyuz-U2  
Cosmos 1936 [Yantar-4KS1 #9, Terilen #9] 30.03.1988 Pl Soyuz-U2  
Cosmos 88F02 [Yantar-4KS1 #10, Terilen #10] 09.07.1988 B Soyuz-U2  Launch failure
Cosmos 88F05 [Yantar-4KS1 #11, Terilen #11] 11.11.1988 B Soyuz-U2  Launch failure
Cosmos 2007 [Yantar-4KS1 #12, Terilen #12] 23.03.1989 B Soyuz-U2  
Cosmos 2049 [Yantar-4KS1 #13, Terilen #13] 17.11.1989 B Soyuz-U2  
Cosmos 2072 [Yantar-4KS1 #14, Terilen #14] 13.04.1990 Pl Soyuz-U2  
Cosmos 2113 [Yantar-4KS1 #15, Terilen #15] 21.12.1990 B Soyuz-U2  


Ref.: #14 - update: 02.03.09 Home