| astronautix.com | Resurs-O1 |
Low resolution remote sensing. Acquisition of operational information on the natural resources of the earth in the interests of various branches of the national economy of the USSR; continued trials of new types of informational and measurement apparatus and methods of remote sensing of the earth's surface and atmosphere. Spacecraft based on the Meteor weather satellite bus, designed by VNIIEM.
Total Mass: 1,800 kg.
First flight of Resurs-O1. Acquisition of operational information on the natural resources of the earth in the interests of various branches of the national economy of the USSR; continued trials of new types of informational and measurement apparatus and methods of remote sensing o f the earth's surface and atmosphere. Operated for one year, two months.
Investigation of the natural resources of the earth in the interests of various branches of the national economy of the USSR and international cooperation. Stayed in operation for six years, six months, far beyond its rated life of 3 to 5 years.
Studied natural resources. It carried the German Safir-R1 communications experiment as a secondary attached payload. Expected life 3 to 5 years.
In addition to its remote sensing equipment, the satellite carried the Belgian LLMS (Little LEO Messaging System) communications payload for the IRIS system. The launch was critical in restoring confidence in the Zenit vehicle prior to planned commercial launches of Globalstar satellites from Baikonur and the first Sea Launch flights using a three-stage Zenit from a California-based floating launch platform. Expected life 3 to 5 years.