NSSDCA/COSPAR ID: 1987-016A
Cosmos 1820 was a Soviet military reconnaissance satellite launched from the Baikonur cosmodrome aboard a Zenit -2 rocket.
Following evaluation of flight trials in April-May 1977 it was concluded that the Yantar-2K was not capable of providing strategic warning of attack. Therefore three additional variants were developed, one of them the wide-spectrum detail and survey satellite Orlets. This featured a panoramic camera and drew on features of an existing draft project designated Yantar-6K. The redesigned spacecraft would be expandable, with Phase 1 (Orlets-1) being launched by the Soyuz-U2 launch vehicle, equipped with 8 film return capsules and having a design life of 60 days. Phase 2 (Orlets-2) would be launched by the much more powerful Zenit launch vehicle, be equipped with 22 return capsules, and have a 180 day design life. The draft project was completed in the late 1980's; Orlets-2 mass mock-ups were used on two Zenit test flights in 1986 and 1987.
Launch Date: 1987-02-14
Launch Vehicle: Zenit
Launch Site: Tyuratam (Baikonur Cosmodrome), U.S.S.R
Mass: 1500 kg
Questions and comments about this spacecraft can be directed to: Coordinated Request and User Support Office