Polyus (Skif-DM)
Polyus (Skif-DM) |
Polyus, aka Skif-DM, was a test article to test several technologies for a soviet 'SDI' program. This vehicle was based on the TKS tug, which was to perform orbital insertion, and featured a large experimental section, which contained a recoilless subsatellite launcher, laser and radar targeting systems and an unspecified number of subsatellites to calibrate these systems.
The active docking system depicted on illustrations might have been a relict from the TKS program, which might just have been left in place. It is very unlikely, that the Polyuz was to have performed an active docking maneuvre.
Due to an guidance error, the TKS tug could not orient the Polyus
stack correctly to put itself into orbit. It was the heaviest satellite built ever.
| Nation: | U.S.S.R. |
|---|---|
| Type / Application: | Missile defence technology |
| Operator: | |
| Contractors: | |
| Equipment: | |
| Configuration: | TKS + large experiment module, ~ 37 m long, 4.1 m diameter |
| Propulsion: | ? |
| Lifetime: | |
| Mass: | ~ 88000 kg |
| Orbit: | 280 km x 280 km, 64.6° planned (?) |
| Satellite | Date | LS | Launcher | Remarks: | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Polyus (Skif-DM #1) (ex TKS #6) | 15.05.1987 | TB LC-250 | F | Energiya TKS |
Last update: 27.09.2009
Contact: gunter.krebs@skyrocket.de
© Gunter Dirk Krebs