DS-U2-MP (Kosmos 135) [Yuzhnoye]
The DS-U3-S satellites were Soviet scientific satellites launched as part of the Dnepropetrovsk Sputnik program. They investigated micrometeoroids and particles of dust in space.
Data gathered by these satellites did not confirm a dust belt around Earth and allowed determining the nature of trace elements in a majority of principal meteor showers. A nuclear explosion in China was recorded.
These satellites were all launched on Kosmos-2 boosters from Kapustin Yar.
Kosmos 135 was the first of these satellites to be launched on 12 December 1966. It was launched into an orbit with a perigee of 251 km, an apogee of 604 km, an inclination of 48.4°. On 12 April 1967 it decayed from orbit and reentered the atmosphere.
The second satellit was Kosmos 163, launched on 5 June 1967. It was operated in an orbit with a perigee of 251 km, an apogee of 549 km and an inclination of 48.4°. On 11 October 1967 it decayed from orbit and reentered the atmosphere.
Nation: | USSR |
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Type / Application: | Astronomy, Micrometeroids |
Operator: | |
Contractors: | Yuzhnoye |
Equipment: | |
Configuration: | DS Bus |
Propulsion: | |
Power: | Deployable fixed solar arrays, solar cells, batteries |
Lifetime: | |
Mass: | 280 kg |
Orbit: | 251 km × 604 km, 48.4° (#1); 251 km × 549 km, 48.4° (#2) |
Satellite | COSPAR | Date | LS | Launch Vehicle | Remarks | |
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Kosmos 135 (DS-U2-MP #1) | 1966-112A | 12.12.1966 | KY LC-86/1 | Kosmos-2 | ||
Kosmos 163 (DS-U2-MP #2) | 1967-056A | 05.06.1967 | KY LC-86/1 | Kosmos-2 |