NSSDCA/COSPAR ID: 2022-054A
The Russian Defense Ministry did not identify the satellite. The Russian military declared the launch successful, and U.S. tracking data confirmed the Soyuz placed its satellite payload into an orbit matching those of the previous Bars-M missions.
Made by TsSKB Progress in Samara, Russia, the Bars-M satellite’s capabilities are classified, but analysts believe it hosts a digital imager, replacing older satellites that carried film cameras that returned to Earth via parachute to be recovered and developed.
The Bars-M satellite’s Karat electro-optical camera was developed by the Leningrad Optical Mechanical Association, and the satellite is expected to operate at least five years, according to documents posted on a Russian government procurement website.
Launch Date: 2022-05-19
Launch Vehicle: Soyuz-2.1a
Launch Site: Plesetsk, Russia
Questions and comments about this spacecraft can be directed to: Coordinated Request and User Support Office