Sterkh

Sterkh is a Russian satellite-based search and rescue system, which forms part of the International Search and Rescue Satellite-Aided System (COSPAS-SARSAT).[1]

Overview

Sterkh was developed as a replacement for the older Nadezhda system. Unlike their predecessors, Sterkh satellites do not carry navigation systems, since this function has been taken over by GLONASS. Sterkh satellites are smaller than their predecessors and were designed to be launched as secondary payloads with other satellites.[2]

The satellites have a mass of 160 kg. Their overall dimensions are 750 x 1350 x 2000 mm in shipping condition, and 976 x 2957 x 10393 mm in operational condition, with opened solar panels and risen gravitational bar. The satellites incorporate the air-borne radio rescue complex RK-SM.[2] They are expected to have an operational lifetime of 5 years. The satellites are designed and manufactured by Production Corporation Polyot.

The first satellite in the series, Sterkh-1, was launched on 21 July 2009 aboard a Kosmos-3M carrier rocket along with a Parus.[3]

Sterkh-2 was launched on 17 September 2009 on a Soyuz-2.1b along with 7 other satellites.[4]

References

  1. ↑ "Sterkh 2 - NSSDC ID: 2009-049B". NASA NSSDC.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 "Small spacecraft "Sterkh"". PO Polyot. Retrieved 2009-09-20.
  3. ↑ Yang, Fang (2009-07-21). "Russia launches two satellites". Xinhua. Retrieved 2009-07-21.
  4. ↑ "Soyuz-2.1b Successfully Lifts Off From Baikonur". Roscosmos. 2009-09-17. Retrieved 2009-09-18.