SPRN-2 Prognoz

SPRN-2 Prognoz
Operator MO SSSR (1975-1991)
MO RF (1991—)
Mission type Missile defence
Carrier rocket Proton-K/DM-2
Launch site Baikonur Cosmodrome
Mass 2154 kg
Orbital elements
Regime Geosynchronous

The SRPN-2 Prognoz programme, commonly known as just Prognoz, is a Russian, previously Soviet, missile defence early warning programme, designed to supplement the Oko satellite system. The first prototype satellite was launched on 8 October 1975, atop a Proton-K/DM-2 carrier rocket. It is unrelated to the earlier Prognoz SO-M programme.

Prognoz satellites operate in Geosynchronous orbits, typically around 35,750 kilometres above the Earth's equator. As of 27 June 2008, sixteen satellites are in orbit. The most recent was launched on 26 June 2008.[1]

Typically, two active satellites are kept on station, one at 24°W, and one at 12°E. Backup satellites are located at 80°E and 12°E.[2]

In February 2008 Russia unilaterally withdrew from the Ukrainian-Russian intergovernmental agreement on SPRN signed in 1997.[3]

See also

References