Space Forces successfully launched a Soyuz-U rocket with Cosmos-2423 spacecraft from the Baykonur launch site at 17:41 MSK (13:41 UTC) on September 14th, 2006. Cosmos-2423 is a photoreconnaissance satellite of the Don (Orlets-1) type, the last satellite of this class to be launched. The launch was performed by the crews of Roskosmos and the Space Forces from the launch pad No. 6 of Baykonur's launch complex No. 31.
According to the Main Space Command and Control Center, the spacecraft successfully reached its orbit. Its international designation is 2006-039A, NORAD catalog number is 29402. According to NORAD, inclination of the initial orbit of Cosmos-2423 is 64.9 degrees, orbital period is about 89 minutes. Apogee of the orbit is 340 km, perigee - 175 km.
Satellites of this class normally work on orbit for 120-130 days. The previous Don satellite, Cosmos-2399, was launched on August 12th, 2003 and completed its mission in December 2003.
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Pavel, what is the purpose of this Cosmos satellite? Is it a early warning satellite?
It is a photoreconnaissance satellite, just as the post says. It has film capsules that it returns to the earth.
Thanks Pavel.
Pavel-
What's the reference for this being the "last Don"? It has been sounding to me for the last couple of years that Russia is planning on modifying a lot of their Soviet-era photo recon satellites (like the modifications announced for the Yantar). From my memory, isn't the Don one of the better performing in terms of resolution photo recon sats? Thanks- Tim, USA
As I understand, there are plans to replace Don (and Kometa - Cosmos-2415 was the last one) by a new satellite, developed by TsSKB Progress - Bars.
Pavel,
Where do you look up the NORAD catalog numbers?
I have tried for the last week and could not find them.
Thanks,
Craig
NORAD data are published at Space Track.
It physically returns actual photographic film? Wow. That's primitive bro. The yankees used that method for the Corona missions.
Is the film canister supposed to be caught in mid-air by a drag-hook?
:)
Well, this is not the most advanced technology. This is why it's the last one.