SPRN-2 Prognoz

Infobox Spacecraft
Orbit_regime = Geosynchronous
Mission_Type = Missile defence
Organisation = MO SSSR (1975-1991)
MO RF (1991—)
Launch_Site = Baikonur Cosmodrome
Carrier_Rocket = Proton-K/DM-2
Mass = 2154 kgThe SRPN-2 Prognoz programme, commonly known as just Prognoz, is a Russian, previously Soviet, missile defence early warning programme, designed to supplement the Oko satellite system. The first prototype satellite was launched on 8 October 1975, atop a Proton-K/DM-2 carrier rocket. It is unrelated to the earlier Prognoz SO-M programme.

Prognoz satellites operate in Geosynchronous orbits, typically around 35,750 kilometres above the Earth's equator. As of 27 June 2008, sixteen satellites are in orbit. The most recent was launched on 26 June 2008. [cite web |url=http://en.rian.ru/russia/20080627/112332683.html |title=Russia successfully launches rocket with military satellite |date=2008-06-27 |publisher=RIA Novosti]

Typically, two active satellites are kept on station, one at 24°W, and one at 12°E. Backup satellites are located at 80°E and 12°E. [ [http://www.astronautix.com/craft/prozsprn.htm Encyclopedia Astronautica - Prognoz SPRN] ]

ee also

*Oko

References