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Foton-M 1, 2, 3 (34KS)
Foton-M
Foton-M is an improved version of the Foton microgravity spacecraft.
It has an increased battery capacity using lithium cells, better thermal control and a new telemetry and telecommand unit for increased data flow rate. Orbital life time is 15 days.
The first launch from Plesetsk failed, when the Soyuz-U carrier rocket exploded few seconds after launch. ESA has contracted for two more flights in 2005 and 2006.
Two more launches, then switched to the Baikonur launch site, were successful.
Beginning with the fourth mission, a new Foton-M spacecraft type was introduced.
| Nation: | Russia |
|---|---|
| Type / Application: | Micro-gravity |
| Operator: | |
| Contractors: | TsSKB-Progress |
| Equipment: | |
| Configuration: | Zenit bus |
| Propulsion: | 11D82M |
| Power: | Batteries |
| Lifetime: | |
| Mass: | 6410 kg |
| Orbit: | 258 km × 290 km, 62.97° (#2); 259 km × 280 km, 62.94° (#3) |
| Satellite | COSPAR | Date | LS | Launch Vehicle | Remarks | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Foton-M 1 (Foton 13) | 2002-F02 | 15.10.2002 | Pl LC-43/3 | F | Soyuz-U | |
| Foton-M 2 (Foton 14) | 2005-020A | 31.05.2005 | Ba LC-1/5 | Soyuz-U | ||
| Foton-M 3 (Foton 15) | 2007-040A | 14.09.2007 | Ba LC-1/5 | Soyuz-U | with YES2 |
Further Bion and Foton missions:
