DS-MT

DS-MT [Yuzhnoye]

The DS-MT satellites were a series of Soviet technology demonstration satellites launched as part of the Dnepropetrovsk Sputnik program.

These battery powered satellites were to demonstrate an electric gyrodyne orientation system developed by VNIIEM. It also carried a scientific research package as a secondary payload, which was used to study cosmic rays and the luminosity of space.

The first spacecraft was launched on 1 June 1963 on a Kosmos booster from Kapustin Yar, but failed to reach orbit.

A second satellite, Kosmos 31 was launched on 6 June 1964 on the same launch vehicle type. It remained in orbit until reentry on 20 October 1964.

A third satellite, Kosmos 51 was launched on 09 December 1964 also on the same launch vehicle type. It decayed from orbit on 14 November 1965.