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DS-U2-MG

DS-U2-MG (Kosmos 321) [Yuzhnoye]

The DS-U2-MG satellites were Soviet scientific satellites launched as part of the Dnepropetrovsk Sputnik program. They investigated the magnetic field of the earth.

These satellites gathered data on Earth’s magnetic field behavior. The equatorial electrojet effect was measured for the first time. These data are used for studying the globe conductivity. Experiments in space allowed determining the degree of conformity of a true picture with theoretical models created on the basis of observations conducted for centuries from the Earth surface.

Both satellites were launched on Kosmos-2 from the Plesetsk cosmodrome.

Kosmos 321 was the first of two DS-U2-MG satellites to be launched. It was operated in an orbit with a perigee of 259 kms, an apogee of 417 kms, 70.9° of inclination. It completed operations on 13 March 1970, before decaying from orbit and reentering the atmosphere on 23 March 1970.

The second satellite was Kosmos 356. It was operated in an orbit with a perigee of 226 kms, an apogee of 548 kms, 81.9° of inclination. It decayed from orbit and reentered the atmosphere on 2 October 1970.

Nation: USSR
Type / Application: Astronomy, Magnetosphere
Operator:
Contractors: Yuzhnoye
Equipment:
Configuration: DS Bus
Propulsion:
Power: 4 deployable fixed solar arrays, solar cells, batteries
Lifetime: 40 days
Mass: 265 kg
Orbit: 259 km × 417 km, 70.97° (#1); 226 km × 548 km, 81.94° (#2)
Satellite COSPAR Date LS Launch Vehicle Remarks
Kosmos 321 (DS-U2-MG #1) 1970-006A 20.01.1970 Pl LC-133/1 Kosmos-2
Kosmos 356 (DS-U2-MG #2) 1970-059A 10.08.1970 Pl LC-133/1 Kosmos-2

References:

  • Yuzhnoye: Small unified spacecraft
  • КБ "Южное": Название: Ракеты и космические аппараты Конструкторского бюро "Южное"

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