Ionosfernaya

Ionosfernaya #2 (Kosmos 381)

The Ionosfernaya satellites were ionospheric topside sounder involving the downward vertical pulse probing of the ionosphere. A variety of instruments were used and the result stored on board for subsequent readout while in radio visibility of measuring centers on earth:

• Cosmic Ray Detector
• VLF Receiver
• Solar Ultraviolet (3 - 1500 A)
• Space Radiation Detector
• High Frequency Impedance Probe

The payload was controlled by some unspecified means to prevent disorderly spinning of the satellite. Other sensors determined its precise position in orbit and angular position in relation to the sun and the earth's magnetic field.

One satellite was lost in a launch failure, while the second one reached orbit, named Kosmos 381.