DS-P1-Yu

DS-P1-Yu was a series of Soviet satellites developed by the Yuzhnoye Design Office of Ukraine, for use in calibrating the Dnestr space surveillance and early-warning radar system. Between 1964 and 1976, a total of 79 satellites were launched on Kosmos-2I 63S1 launchers, with seven failing to reach orbit.[1][2]

DS-P1-Yu

Mission type	Calibrating the Dnestr space surveillance and early-warning radar system
Operator	Soviet Union
Spacecraft properties
Launch mass	193–240 kg
Orbital parameters
Period	60 days

The dodecahedral satellites had a mass of 193–240 kilograms (425–529 lb) and an operational lifetime of 60 days. They were covered in solar panels and a metallic mesh transparent to visible spectrum light and opaque to radio frequencies.[1][2]

The DS-P1-Yu replaced the similar DS-P1, of which four were launched between 1962 and 1964, with one failure to reach orbit.[3]

References

1. "Adjustment and Calibration Spacecraft". Yuzhnoye Design Office. Retrieved 22 March 2017.
2. Krebs, Gunter Dirk. "DS-P1-Yu (11F618)". Gunter's Space Page. Retrieved 22 March 2017.
3. Krebs, Gunter Dirk. "DS-P1". Gunter's Space Page. Retrieved 22 March 2017.