Almaz-T (Resurs-R)

The Almaz-T was a satellite dedicated to providing radar imaging capabilities used in geophysical, agricultural, geological and environmental applications. The Almaz-T ("diamond") spacecraft design was based on the Almaz manned orbital station. The Almaz-T spacecraft had two 100 m**2 solar panels and batteries to provide power. The spacecraft used reaction wheels to maintain attitude and 3-axis stabilization. The interior was pressurized by nitrogen to sea level. The Almaz-T program had its origins in 1981, when the spacecraft was originally designed as a military reconnaissance craft. Although the basic layout of the Almaz space station was retained, it did not have any docking devices, so that no Soyuz or Progress service craft could be used. Almaz-T was designed and manufactured and operated by NPO Machinostroenye. The sensor was a 3 GHz (10 cm) S-band Synthetic Aperature Radar (SAR) that used two 1.5 x 15 m slotted waveguide antennas to obtain a resolution of 15 meters per pixel. Data was temporarily stored on board using video tape recorders, and subsequently down-linked to the ground stations via the Luch GEO satellite. Almaz-1 also carried a radiometric scanner system (RMS) for infrared sounding of the Earth's surface. 

A first attempt was made in 1986, but the launch failed to reach orbit

Cosmos 1870 successfully carried the Almaz SAR prototype. 

Almaz 1 was launched on 31.03.1991. The Almaz-1 spacecraft reentered the Earth's atmosphere on 17.10.1992 after 18 months in orbit out of an expected 30-month mission. The spacecraft exectuted a controlled descent over the Pacific Ocean after the maneuvering fuel was unexpectedly exhausted because of frequent orbit re-positioning due to increased solar activity. 

Almaz-T was also designated Resurs-R.

Last update: 27.09.2009
Contact: gunter.krebs@skyrocket.de
© Gunter Dirk Krebs