On July 21, 2006 Russia successfully launched a Molniya-M rocket from the launch pad No. 2 of the launch complex No. 16 of the Plesetsk launch site. The launch was performed at 08:20 MSK (04:20 UTC). The satellite that was delivered into orbit, designated Cosmos-2422, was reported to be a new satellite of the US-KS early-warning system (also known as Oko).
The satellite was given the international designation 2006-030A and the NORAD catalog number 29260. According to the NORAD data, inclination of the initial orbit of Cosmos-2422 is 62.85 degrees, orbital period is about 704 minutes. Apogee of the orbit is about 39,000 km, perigee -- 860 km. According to the Space Forces, Cosmos-2422 reached its orbit at 09:16:25 MSK and was taken under control by the crews of the Main Space Systems Center (GITsIU KS) at 09:52 MSK.
Cosmos-2422 is deployed in an orbital plane that is located between those occupied by two other US-KS satellites on highly-elliptical orbits -- Cosmos-2388 and Cosmos-2393, both of which appear to be operational. This may indicate that the launch of Cosmos-2422 is supposed to upgrade the current constellation rather than replace one of the satellites.
The book
Comments
Pavel:
Can you comment on the overall status of Russian space systems? Where does Russia stand today on early warning, secure communications, and intelligence in its space assets?
Where is the existing “weak link”? What needs improvement? As always, thanks!
Frank Shuler
USA
Check the accidental launch article - I tried to give an update on the status of the early-warning system there.
Pavel:
Questions:
1) Is there any published data on ICBM maintenance cycles? With an inventory of 500 Minuteman III missiles today, I wonder how many are down on any given day for support, 5% - 10%? What about the Russian force?
2) The relatively low CEP for Russian SLBMs is due to the missile itself, the RV, the launching submarine? Curious…
Thanks for another quality study to add to our discussion.
Frank Shuler
USA
I haven't seen any information about the maintenance cycle. 5-10% sounds about right, though. Probably should have taken this into account, but I figured that these calculations don't have that accuracy anyway.
As for SLBMs, I think the submarine position is the main reason.
I know in American submarines, going back to Polaris, navigation was one of the most difficult problems to overcome. Back then, the US Navy developed an internal navigation system, SINS, that apparently made all the difference. It’s hard to hit a target on the other side of the world if you don’t know where you are when you aim. Thanks for you insights.
Frank Shuler
USA