Orlets-1 or Don (GRAU index 17F12) was a Russian (previously Soviet) reconnaissance satellite.
Orlets-1 was developed after the Yantar-2K satellite was deemed incapable of providing strategic warning of attack. It drew on features of an existing draft project called Yantar-6K. Equipped with a wide-spectrum panoramic camera and carrying eight film return capsules, Orlets-1 had a design life of 60 days. After completing its mission, the satellite was detonated in its orbit.
The Soyuz-U or Soyuz-U2 launch vehicle was used to deploy Orlets-1. An improved version, Orlets-2, was also created.
References
- ^ NSSDC Master Catalog: Cosmos 2290
- ^ Gunter's Space Page: Orlets-1 (Don, 17F12)
- This article incorporates text from NSSDC Master Catalog, a publication in the public domain.
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