March 1983:satellite digest

PROGRESS 15 1982-94A

Launched: 0900, 18 Sep 1982 from Tyuratam by A-2.

Spacecraft data: Similar in appearance to Soyuz-T except that the re-entry module is replaced by a cone-shaped, non-recoverable compartment for stores. The mass is around 7000 kg.

Mission: To carry consumables and experimental materials to the long-stay crew aboard Salyut 7. Progress 15 docked with Salyut's rear port on 20 Sep. undocked at 1246 on 14 Oct and was de-orbited by retro-fire at 1618. 16 Oct. It re-entered over the Pacific Ocean.

Orbit: Initially one of approximately 190X230 km. 89 min. 51.6 deg. later manoeuvred to a transfer orbit of 214X372 km. 89.31 min, 51.64 deg. After docking with Saiyut the orbit was 302X326 km. 90.75 min, 51.62 deg.

COSMOS 1409 1982-95A

Launched: 0630, 22 Sep 1982 from Plesetsk by A-2-e.

Spacecraft data: Possibly based on the Molniya satellites.

Mission: Part of the USSR's missile early warning system.

Orbit: Initially 615X39.361 km, 710.15 min, 63.02 deg, later manoeuvred to 612X39.690 km, 716.69 min, 63.08 deg to ensure daily repeats of ground tracks.

COSMOS 1410 1982-96A

Launched: 0910, 24 Sep 1982 from Plesetsk by F vehicle.

Spacecraft data: Not available.

Mission: Not known, possibly geodetic.

Orbit: 1495X1502 km, 116.00 min,

82.61 deg.

INTELSAT 5 (F-5) 1982-97A

Launched: 0856, 28 Sep 1982 from Eastern Space and Missile Center by Atlas Centaur. Spacecraft data: Box-shaped spacecraft with antenna array and 16 m span solar panels, mass around 1000 kg.

Mission: US domestic communications.

Orbit: Geostationary.

COSMOS 1411 1982-98A

Launched: 1200, 30 Sep 1982 from Plesetsk by A-2.

Spacecraft data: Possibly based on the Vostok manned spacecraft with spherical re¬entry module, instrument unit and a cylindrical, supplementary payload at the forward end. Length about 6 m, max diameter about 2.4 m and mass around 6000 kg.

Mission: Military photo-reconnaissance, recovered after 14 days.

Orbit: 198X357 km. 90.08 min. 72.86 deg. manoeuvrable.

COSMOS 1412 1982-99A

Launched: 0035, 2 Oct 1982 from Tyuratam by F-1.

Spacecraft data: Not available but probably several tonnes mass.

Mission: Ocean reconnaissance using nuclear powered radar.

Orbit: 251X266 km, 89.66 min, 65.00 deg.

COSMOS 1413-1415 1982-100A, D&E.

Launched: 1505,12 Oct 1982 from Tyuratam by D-1-E + apogee motor.

Spacecraft data: Probably cylindrical with length and diameter about 2 m and mass of each satellite around 700 kg.

Mission: First launch of the USSR's Global Navigation Satellite System.

Orbit: Initially a low, parking one at 51.6 deg then via a highly elliptical transfer orbit to approx 19,070X19,080, 673 min,

64.8 deg.

COSMOS 1416 1982-101A

Launched: 0920, 14 Oct 1982 from Tyuratam by A-2.

Spacecraft data: Similar to Cosmos 1411.

Mission: Military photo-reconnaissance, recovered after 14 days.

Orbit: 231X278 km. 89.61 min. 70.36 deg but manoeuvrable.

COSMOS 1417 1982-102A

Launched: 0600, 19 Oct 1982 from Plesetsk by C-1.

Spacecraft data: Cylindrical body with domed ends, enclosed in a drum-shaped solar array. Length and diameter both about 2 m and mass around 700 kg.

Mission: Navigation satellite.

Orbit: 963X1012 km, 104.86 min.

82.97 deg.