Tellura - Credit: Khrunichev. 11,501 bytes. 290 x 164 pixels.

In 1990 KB Salyut proposed an unmanned derivative of the TKS manned ferry to conduct earth resources experiments. This would be similar to the Priroda module of the Mir space station but designed for an independent free-flying mission. Tellura would be equipped with spectrometers, radiometers, television cameras, and LIDAR for conducting observations from a 400 to 450 km altitude orbit at 52, 65, or 72 degree inclination. For the higher inclinations an improved Proton-M launch vehicle would be required. The 20 tonne satellite would have a five year life and was to be launched by 1995. A less sophisticated version of the satellite, dubbed Ekologia, could be launched by 1993. No backers for the concept were forthcoming.

Maximum Diameter: 4.2 m. Total Mass: 20,000 kg. Electrical System: Solar Panels.

• 453 - Hendrickx, Bart, Journal of the British Interplanetary Society, "The Origins and Evolution of Mir and Its Modules", Vol. 51, P. 203-222, 1998..