High resolution photo reconnaissance mission. References: 279 .

Spacecraft mission was research in the field of high-energy (gamma/x-ray) astrophysics conducted jointly with France and Poland. The satellite was based on the Soyuz manned spacecraft and had an extremely long gestation - conceived in 1965, authorised in 1976, scheduled originally for launch in 1984, but further severe technical delays resulted in a 1990 launch. References: 1 , 2 , 6 .

First launch of new Chinese L/V; experimental Pakistani payload. References: 1 , 2 , 5 , 6 .

Repaired Soyuz TM-9 insulation rip. References: 66 .

Investigation of the natural resources of the Earth in the interests of various branches of the national economy of the USSR; solution of problems relating to ecology and international cooperation. References: 1 , 2 , 6 .

Stationed at 80 deg E. Relaying of telegraph and telephone information. References: 1 , 2 , 5 , 6 , 67 , 112 , 274 .

Military cartographic satellite; returned film capsule. References: 1 , 2 , 6 .

West German DBS; 28.5 deg E. Communications satellite, position 28.5E Ariane 4 flight no 37. References: 1 , 2 , 5 , 6 .

French DBS; 19 deg W. Direct broadcasting satellite. Registration 1990-2-B. References: 1 , 2 , 5 , 6 .

Replaced Cosmos 2084. Covered Oko constellation plane 6 - 117 degree longitude of ascending node. References: 1 , 2 , 5 , 6 , 100 .

Combined Release and Radiation Effects Satellite. Spacecraft engaged in research and exploration of the upper atmosphere or outer space (US Cat B). Elliptical orbit; MRS trajectory. References: 1 , 2 , 5 , 6 , 278 .

Dismantled equipment. Temporarily closed damaged hatch. References: 66 .

Investigation of outer space. References: 1 , 2 , 5 , 6 , 114 .

Manned two crew. Docked with Mir. Mir Expedition EO-07. Transported to the Mir manned orbital station the crew consisting of the cosmonauts G M Manakov and G M Strekalov for the purpose of carrying out a programme of geophysical and astrophysical research, biological and biotechnological experiments, and work on space-materials science. Recovered December 10, 1990 06:08 GMT. Landed 69 km NW Arkalyk. References: 1 , 2 , 6 , 51 .

Troops from the 30th Space Wing began deployment to the Persian Gulf in support of Operation Desert Shield. References: 88 .

Iraq invaded Kuwait, precipitating the Gulf War. This ended Western covert sponsorship of Iraqi supergun, space launch, and long-range missile projects.

Global Positioning System. Spacecraft engaged in research and exploration of the upper atmosphere or outer space (US Cat B). References: 1 , 2 , 5 , 6 .

High resolution photo reconnaissance; returned film in two small SpK capsules during the mission and with the main capsule at completion of the mission. References: 1 , 2 , 6 , 179 .

First flight of the air-launched Pegasus space booster employing a B-52 carrier aircraft over the Western Range. References: 88 .

Six satellites launched by a single carrier rocket. References: 1 , 2 , 5 , 6 , 105 .

Operation of the long-range telephone and telegraph radio communications system in the USSR; transmission of USSR Central Television programmes to stations in the Orbita network and within the framework of international cooperation. References: 1 , 2 , 5 , 6 .

Unmanned resupply vessel to Mir. Delivered cables for rewiring operations and equipment for Soyuz TM-11 Japanese journalist flight. Docked with Mir on 17 Aug 1990 05:26:13 GMT. Undocked on 17 Sep 1990 12:42:43 GMT. Destroyed in reentry on 20 Sep 1990 11:42:49 GMT. Total free-flight time 5.02 days. Total docked time 31.30 days. References: 1 , 2 , 6 , 275 .

Investigation of the natural resources of the Earth in the interests of various branches of the national economy of the USSR; solution of problems relating to ecology and international cooperation. References: 1 , 2 , 6 .

UK DBS; 31 deg W. Direct broadcasting system. Expected operational life 12.5 yr. Owner/operator: British Sky Broadcasting Ltd, 6 Centaurs Business Park, Grant Way, Isleworth, Middlesex TW7 5QD. Sold on-orbit in 1992 to Telenor Norway and redesignated Thor 1. References: 1 , 2 , 5 , 6 .

Ocean surveillance. References: 1 , 2 , 5 , 6 .

Covered Oko constellation plane 3 - 357 degree longitude of ascending node. References: 1 , 2 , 5 , 6 , 100 .

Radar calibration mission. References: 1 , 2 , 5 , 6 .

Japanese DBS; 110 deg E. Continuation of broadcasting services by BS-2; accommodations to increasing and diversifying demands for broadcasting; establishment of common technology necessary for broadcasting satellite. Launching organization NASDA. Launch time 0905 GMT. BS-3a 'Yuri -3a'. References: 1 , 2 , 5 , 6 .

Stationed at 13 deg E. Telecommunications satellite. Registered by France in ST/SG/SER.E/234 and 239 until EUTELSAT can register the satellite. EUTELSAT is the European Telecommunications Satellite Organization. References: 1 , 2 , 5 , 6 .

UK military communications; 1 deg W. United Kingdom military communications satellite. Owner/operator: UK Ministry of Defence. Expected operational life 10 years. References: 1 , 2 , 5 , 6 .

Military cartographic satellite; returned film capsule. References: 1 , 2 , 6 .

The Cosmic Background Explorer's supply of liquid helium was exhausted, causing loss of the FIRAS (Far Infrared Absolute Spectrometer) instrument.

Atmospheric balloon. References: 2 , 5 , 6 .

Atmospheric balloon. References: 2 , 5 , 6 .

Carried German microgravity experiment. Investigation of the natural resources of the Earth in the interests of various branches of the national economy of the USSR; solution of problems relating to ecology and international cooperation. References: 1 , 2 , 6 .

Military navigation satellite. References: 1 , 2 , 5 , 6 .

Operation of the long-range telephone and telegraph radio communications system in the USSR; transmission of USSR Central Television programmes to stations in the Orbita network and within the framework of international cooperation. References: 1 , 2 , 5 , 6 .

Unmanned resupply vessel to Mir. Included first Progress recoverable capsule for return of 150 kg of payload to earth. Docked with Mir on 29 Sep 1990 12:26:50 GMT. Undocked on 28 Nov 1990 06:15:46 GMT. After deorbit burn, capsule separated for reentry with an expected landing in Kazakhstan at 28 Nov 1990 11:04:05 GMT. However the recoverable capsule's beacon signal was never received after reentry. All experimental data and materials in capsule lost. Total free-flight time 2.28 days. Total docked time 59.74 days. References: 1 , 2 , 6 , 275 .

Gathering round-the-clock meteorological information. References: 1 , 2 , 5 , 6 .