DS-U2-MP

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.