Istrebitel Sputnik

Istrebitel Sputnik , or IS (Russian: Истребитель Спутников meaning Satellite Fighter, after the meaning "Fighter aircraft" for the Russian word istrebitel), was a Soviet anti-satellite weapons programme which led to the deployment of the IS-A or I2P system during the 1970s and 1980s.[1] IS satellites were originally intended to launch on UR-200 rockets, but following the cancellation of the UR-200, the Polyot, Tsyklon-2A and Tsyklon-2 rockets were used instead.[2]

The first test flights of the IS spacecraft used the I1P configuration, and served to demonstrate the propulsion and control systems of the spacecraft.[3] Both were launched by Polyot rockets, and were designated Polyot 1 and Polyot 2. They were launched on 1 November 1963 and 12 April 1964 respectively.[2] Following this, IS-A or I2P interceptors and IS-P or I2M targets were launched. Only four IS-P targets were launched before the type was replaced by the cheaper DS-P1-M satellite,[4] launched as part of the Dnepropetrovsk Sputnik programme. Later IS-A tests intercepted DS-P1-M satellites, or the Lira satellites that succeeded them.[5]

See also

References

  1. ^ Wade, Mark. "IS-A". Encyclopedia Astronautica. http://www.astronautix.com/craft/isa.htm. Retrieved 17 May 2010. 
  2. ^ a b McDowell, Jonathan. "Launch Log". Jonathan's Space Page. http://planet4589.org/space/log/launchlog.txt. Retrieved 17 May 2010. 
  3. ^ Wade, Mark. "Polyot". Encyclopedia Astronautica. http://www.astronautix.com/craft/polyot.htm. Retrieved 17 May 2010. 
  4. ^ Wade, Mark. "IS-P". Encyclopedia Astronautica. http://www.astronautix.com/craft/isp.htm. Retrieved 17 May 2010. 
  5. ^ Wade, Mark. "DS-P1-M". Encyclopedia Astronautica. http://www.astronautix.com/craft/dsp1m.htm. Retrieved 17 May 2010.