Zenit-6U

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Zenit-6 Cutaway
Credit - TsSKB

Article Number: 11F645. Manufacturer's Designation: 6K. Code Name: Argon. Class: Surveillance. Type: Military. Destination: Surveillance Orbit. Nation: Russia. Agency: MOM. Manufacturer: Kozlov.

A universal variant of the Zenit spacecraft, used in two altitude ranges, for both observation and high resolution missions. Maneuvers to high perigee during the course of a mission. Accepted for military service in 1978. Typical orbital profile: inclination 72.8, 70.4 degrees with altitude of 200-380 km; maneuvering to altitude of 360-415 km. Designed duration: 14 days. Transmission frequencies observed in West: 19.989 FSK; 39.978 FSK; 232.0 PPM-AM; 19.989 FSK; 39.978 FSK; 231.5 PCM-FM.

Typical orbit: 200 km x 326 km at 51.8 to 82.6 degrees inclin. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb).

Zenit-6U Chronology

1976 November 23 - Cosmos 867 - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Perigee: 250 km (150 mi). Apogee: 402 km (249 mi). Inclination: 62.80 deg. Period: 91.10 min. Duration: 12.00 days.
Photo surveillance; returned film capsule.

1977 March 3 - Cosmos 896 - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Perigee: 202 km (125 mi). Apogee: 206 km (128 mi). Inclination: 72.90 deg. Period: 88.60 min. Duration: 13.00 days.
Photo surveillance; returned film capsule; maneuverable.

1977 July 27 - Cosmos 934 - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Perigee: 231 km (143 mi). Apogee: 255 km (158 mi). Inclination: 62.80 deg. Period: 89.40 min. Duration: 13.00 days.
Photo surveillance; returned film capsule; maneuverable.

1977 October 11 - Cosmos 958 - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Perigee: 257 km (159 mi). Apogee: 351 km (218 mi). Inclination: 62.80 deg. Period: 90.60 min. Duration: 13.00 days.
Photo surveillance; returned film capsule.

1978 November 28 - Cosmos 1050 - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Perigee: 194 km (120 mi). Apogee: 341 km (211 mi). Inclination: 62.80 deg. Period: 89.80 min. Duration: 14.00 days.
Photo surveillance; returned film capsule; maneuverable.

1979 April 20 - Cosmos 1095 - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Perigee: 199 km (123 mi). Apogee: 379 km (235 mi). Inclination: 72.80 deg. Period: 90.30 min. Duration: 14.00 days.
Photo surveillance; returned film capsule.

1979 May 31 - Cosmos 1103 - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Perigee: 257 km (159 mi). Apogee: 375 km (233 mi). Inclination: 62.80 deg. Period: 90.80 min. Duration: 14.00 days.
Photo surveillance; returned film capsule.

1979 June 15 - Cosmos 1107 - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Perigee: 198 km (123 mi). Apogee: 301 km (187 mi). Inclination: 72.90 deg. Period: 89.50 min. Duration: 14.00 days.
Photo surveillance; returned film capsule; maneuverable.

1979 June 29 - Cosmos 1111 - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Perigee: 255 km (158 mi). Apogee: 354 km (219 mi). Inclination: 62.80 deg. Period: 90.60 min. Duration: 15.00 days.
Photo surveillance; returned film capsule.

1979 August 31 - Cosmos 1126 - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Perigee: 194 km (120 mi). Apogee: 391 km (242 mi). Inclination: 72.80 deg. Period: 90.40 min. Duration: 14.00 days.
Photo surveillance; returned film capsule.

1979 September 28 - Cosmos 1138 - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Perigee: 199 km (123 mi). Apogee: 373 km (231 mi). Inclination: 72.90 deg. Period: 90.20 min. Duration: 14.00 days.
Photo surveillance; returned film capsule.

1979 October 12 - Zenit-6 - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC43/3. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. FAILURE: Failure.
Photo surveillance mission.

1979 October 22 - Cosmos 1142 - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Perigee: 198 km (123 mi). Apogee: 382 km (237 mi). Inclination: 72.90 deg. Period: 90.30 min. Duration: 13.00 days.
Photo surveillance; returned film capsule.

1979 December 12 - Cosmos 1147 - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Perigee: 192 km (119 mi). Apogee: 377 km (234 mi). Inclination: 72.90 deg. Period: 90.20 min. Duration: 14.00 days.
Photo surveillance; returned film capsule.

1980 January 9 - Cosmos 1149 - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Perigee: 191 km (118 mi). Apogee: 384 km (238 mi). Inclination: 72.90 deg. Period: 90.30 min. Duration: 14.00 days.
Photo surveillance; returned film capsule.

1980 February 7 - Cosmos 1155 - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Perigee: 191 km (118 mi). Apogee: 393 km (244 mi). Inclination: 72.80 deg. Period: 90.30 min. Duration: 14.00 days.
Photo surveillance; returned film capsule.

1980 March 4 - Cosmos 1166 - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Perigee: 194 km (120 mi). Apogee: 371 km (230 mi). Inclination: 72.80 deg. Period: 90.20 min. Duration: 14.00 days.
Photo surveillance; returned film capsule.

1980 May 7 - Cosmos 1178 - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Perigee: 193 km (119 mi). Apogee: 386 km (239 mi). Inclination: 72.80 deg. Period: 90.30 min. Duration: 15.00 days.
Photo surveillance; returned film capsule.

1980 May 28 - Cosmos 1183 - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Perigee: 196 km (121 mi). Apogee: 384 km (238 mi). Inclination: 72.80 deg. Period: 90.30 min. Duration: 14.00 days.
Photo surveillance; returned film capsule.

1980 June 12 - Cosmos 1187 - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Perigee: 194 km (120 mi). Apogee: 294 km (182 mi). Inclination: 72.90 deg. Period: 89.40 min. Duration: 14.00 days.
Photo surveillance; returned film capsule; maneuverable.

1980 June 26 - Cosmos 1189 - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Perigee: 198 km (123 mi). Apogee: 305 km (189 mi). Inclination: 72.90 deg. Period: 89.60 min. Duration: 14.00 days.
Photo surveillance; returned film capsule; maneuverable.

1980 July 9 - Cosmos 1200 - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Perigee: 195 km (121 mi). Apogee: 298 km (185 mi). Inclination: 72.90 deg. Period: 89.40 min. Duration: 14.00 days.
Photo surveillance; returned film capsule; maneuverable.

1980 July 24 - Cosmos 1202 - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Perigee: 198 km (123 mi). Apogee: 307 km (190 mi). Inclination: 72.90 deg. Period: 89.60 min. Duration: 14.00 days.
Photo surveillance; returned film capsule; maneuverable.

1980 August 12 - Cosmos 1205 - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Perigee: 195 km (121 mi). Apogee: 302 km (187 mi). Inclination: 72.80 deg. Period: 89.50 min. Duration: 14.00 days.
Photo surveillance; returned film capsule; maneuverable.

1980 September 19 - Cosmos 1210 - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Perigee: 175 km (108 mi). Apogee: 239 km (148 mi). Inclination: 82.30 deg. Period: 88.60 min. Duration: 14.00 days.
Photo surveillance; returned film capsule; maneuverable.

1980 October 3 - Cosmos 1213 - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Perigee: 192 km (119 mi). Apogee: 313 km (194 mi). Inclination: 72.90 deg. Period: 89.60 min. Duration: 14.00 days.
Photo surveillance; returned film capsule; maneuverable.

1980 October 16 - Cosmos 1216 - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Perigee: 189 km (117 mi). Apogee: 367 km (228 mi). Inclination: 72.90 deg. Period: 90.10 min. Duration: 14.00 days.
Photo surveillance; returned film capsule.

1980 October 31 - Cosmos 1219 - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Perigee: 189 km (117 mi). Apogee: 312 km (193 mi). Inclination: 72.90 deg. Period: 89.50 min. Duration: 13.00 days.
Photo surveillance; returned film capsule; maneuverable.

1980 November 12 - Cosmos 1221 - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Perigee: 196 km (121 mi). Apogee: 399 km (247 mi). Inclination: 72.90 deg. Period: 90.50 min. Duration: 14.00 days.
Photo surveillance; returned film capsule.

1980 December 1 - Cosmos 1224 - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Perigee: 194 km (120 mi). Apogee: 374 km (232 mi). Inclination: 72.90 deg. Period: 90.20 min. Duration: 14.00 days.
Photo surveillance; returned film capsule.

1980 December 16 - Cosmos 1227 - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Perigee: 194 km (120 mi). Apogee: 296 km (183 mi). Inclination: 72.80 deg. Period: 89.40 min. Duration: 12.00 days.
Photo surveillance; returned film capsule; maneuverable.

1981 January 6 - Cosmos 1237 - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Perigee: 191 km (118 mi). Apogee: 382 km (237 mi). Inclination: 72.90 deg. Period: 90.30 min. Duration: 14.00 days.
Photo surveillance; returned film capsule.

1981 February 13 - Cosmos 1245 - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Perigee: 193 km (119 mi). Apogee: 374 km (232 mi). Inclination: 72.80 deg. Period: 90.20 min. Duration: 14.00 days.
Photo surveillance; returned film capsule.

1981 March 17 - Cosmos 1259 - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC31. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Perigee: 204 km (126 mi). Apogee: 379 km (235 mi). Inclination: 70.30 deg. Period: 90.40 min. Duration: 14.00 days.
Photo surveillance; returned film capsule.

1981 April 7 - Cosmos 1262 - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Perigee: 191 km (118 mi). Apogee: 372 km (231 mi). Inclination: 72.90 deg. Period: 90.20 min. Duration: 14.00 days.
Photo surveillance; returned film capsule; maneuverable.

1981 April 15 - Cosmos 1264 - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC1. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Perigee: 205 km (127 mi). Apogee: 382 km (237 mi). Inclination: 70.40 deg. Period: 90.40 min. Duration: 14.00 days.
Photo surveillance; returned film capsule.

1981 April 16 - Cosmos 1265 - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Perigee: 197 km (122 mi). Apogee: 267 km (165 mi). Inclination: 72.90 deg. Period: 89.20 min. Duration: 12.00 days.
Photo surveillance; returned film capsule; maneuverable.

1981 April 28 - Cosmos 1268 - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC1. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Perigee: 206 km (128 mi). Apogee: 366 km (227 mi). Inclination: 70.40 deg. Period: 90.30 min. Duration: 14.00 days.
Photo surveillance; returned film capsule; maneuverable.

1981 May 21 - Cosmos 1272 - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC1. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Perigee: 206 km (128 mi). Apogee: 376 km (233 mi). Inclination: 70.40 deg. Period: 90.30 min. Duration: 14.00 days.
Photo surveillance; returned film capsule.

1981 June 17 - Cosmos 1277 - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC1. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Perigee: 204 km (126 mi). Apogee: 373 km (231 mi). Inclination: 70.40 deg. Period: 90.30 min. Duration: 14.00 days.
Photo surveillance; returned film capsule.

1981 July 1 - Cosmos 1279 - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC1. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Perigee: 206 km (128 mi). Apogee: 364 km (226 mi). Inclination: 70.40 deg. Period: 90.20 min. Duration: 14.00 days.
Photo surveillance; returned film capsule; maneuverable.

1981 July 7 - Cosmos 1281 - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Perigee: 193 km (119 mi). Apogee: 389 km (241 mi). Inclination: 72.80 deg. Period: 90.40 min. Duration: 14.00 days.
Photo surveillance; returned film capsule.

1981 July 17 - Cosmos 1283 - Program: Resurs. Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Perigee: 169 km (105 mi). Apogee: 242 km (150 mi). Inclination: 82.40 deg. Period: 88.60 min. Duration: 14.00 days.
Medium resolution photo surveillance; film capsule; also performed earth resources tasks. Investigation of the natural resources of the earth in the interests of various branches of the national economy of the USSR and international cooperation.

1981 July 29 - Cosmos 1284 - Program: Resurs. Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Perigee: 178 km (110 mi). Apogee: 237 km (147 mi). Inclination: 82.30 deg. Period: 88.70 min. Duration: 14.00 days.
Medium resolution photo surveillance; film capsule; also performed earth resources tasks. Investigation of the natural resources of the earth in the interests of various branches of the national economy of the USSR and international cooperation.

1981 August 18 - Cosmos 1297 - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Perigee: 194 km (120 mi). Apogee: 360 km (220 mi). Inclination: 72.80 deg. Period: 90.10 min. Duration: 12.00 days.
Photo surveillance; returned film capsule; maneuverable.

1981 September 4 - Cosmos 1303 - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC1. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Perigee: 208 km (129 mi). Apogee: 363 km (225 mi). Inclination: 70.40 deg. Period: 90.20 min. Duration: 14.00 days.
Photo surveillance; returned film capsule.

1981 September 15 - Cosmos 1307 - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Perigee: 194 km (120 mi). Apogee: 390 km (240 mi). Inclination: 72.90 deg. Period: 90.40 min. Duration: 13.00 days.
Photo surveillance; returned film capsule.

1981 October 1 - Cosmos 1313 - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC1. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Perigee: 203 km (126 mi). Apogee: 286 km (177 mi). Inclination: 70.40 deg. Period: 89.40 min. Duration: 14.00 days.
Photo surveillance; returned film capsule; maneuverable.

1981 October 15 - Cosmos 1316 - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC1. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Perigee: 205 km (127 mi). Apogee: 381 km (236 mi). Inclination: 70.30 deg. Period: 90.40 min. Duration: 14.00 days.
Photo surveillance; returned film capsule; maneuverable.

1981 November 13 - Cosmos 1319 - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC1. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Perigee: 204 km (126 mi). Apogee: 374 km (232 mi). Inclination: 70.40 deg. Period: 90.30 min. Duration: 14.00 days.
Photo surveillance; returned film capsule.

1981 December 4 - Cosmos 1329 - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC1. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Perigee: 231 km (143 mi). Apogee: 273 km (169 mi). Inclination: 65.00 deg. Period: 89.50 min. Duration: 14.00 days.
Photo surveillance; returned film capsule; maneuverable.

1982 January 20 - Cosmos 1334 - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Perigee: 191 km (118 mi). Apogee: 286 km (177 mi). Inclination: 72.90 deg. Period: 89.30 min. Duration: 14.00 days.
Photo surveillance; returned film capsule; maneuverable.

1982 February 16 - Cosmos 1338 - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Perigee: 186 km (115 mi). Apogee: 376 km (233 mi). Inclination: 72.80 deg. Period: 90.10 min. Duration: 14.00 days.
Photo surveillance; returned film capsule.

1982 March 5 - Cosmos 1342 - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Perigee: 191 km (118 mi). Apogee: 297 km (184 mi). Inclination: 72.90 deg. Period: 89.40 min. Duration: 14.00 days.
Photo surveillance; returned film capsule; maneuverable.

1982 March 17 - Cosmos 1343 - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Perigee: 194 km (120 mi). Apogee: 284 km (176 mi). Inclination: 72.80 deg. Period: 89.30 min. Duration: 14.00 days.
Photo surveillance; returned film capsule; maneuverable.

1982 April 21 - Cosmos 1352 - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC1. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Perigee: 204 km (126 mi). Apogee: 364 km (226 mi). Inclination: 70.40 deg. Period: 90.10 min. Duration: 14.00 days.
Photo surveillance; returned film capsule.

1982 May 15 - Zenit-6 - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC41/1. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. FAILURE: Failure.
Photo surveillance mission.

1982 May 21 - Cosmos 1368 - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC1. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Perigee: 204 km (126 mi). Apogee: 338 km (210 mi). Inclination: 70.40 deg. Period: 89.90 min. Duration: 13.00 days.
Photo surveillance; returned film capsule; maneuverable.

1982 June 2 - Cosmos 1373 - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC1. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Perigee: 210 km (130 mi). Apogee: 347 km (215 mi). Inclination: 70.40 deg. Period: 90.10 min. Duration: 14.00 days.
Photo surveillance; returned film capsule.

1982 June 18 - Cosmos 1381 - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC1. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Perigee: 199 km (123 mi). Apogee: 374 km (232 mi). Inclination: 70.40 deg. Period: 90.30 min.
Photo surveillance; returned film capsule.

1982 July 27 - Cosmos 1396 - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Perigee: 193 km (119 mi). Apogee: 294 km (182 mi). Inclination: 72.90 deg. Period: 89.40 min. Duration: 14.00 days.
Photo surveillance; returned film capsule; maneuverable.

1982 September 1 - Cosmos 1403 - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC1. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Perigee: 205 km (127 mi). Apogee: 353 km (219 mi). Inclination: 70.40 deg. Period: 90.10 min. Duration: 14.00 days.
Photo surveillance; returned film capsule.

1982 September 1 - Cosmos 1404 - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Perigee: 196 km (121 mi). Apogee: 354 km (219 mi). Inclination: 72.80 deg. Period: 90.00 min. Duration: 14.00 days.
Photo surveillance; returned film capsule.

1982 September 30 - Cosmos 1411 - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Perigee: 194 km (120 mi). Apogee: 354 km (219 mi). Inclination: 72.90 deg. Period: 90.00 min. Duration: 14.00 days.
Photo surveillance; returned film capsule; maneuverable.

1982 October 14 - Cosmos 1416 - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC1. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Perigee: 231 km (143 mi). Apogee: 278 km (172 mi). Inclination: 70.40 deg. Period: 89.60 min. Duration: 14.00 days.
Photo surveillance; returned film capsule; maneuverable.

1982 November 2 - Cosmos 1419 - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC1. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Perigee: 206 km (128 mi). Apogee: 264 km (164 mi). Inclination: 70.30 deg. Period: 89.20 min. Duration: 14.00 days.
Photo surveillance; returned film capsule; maneuverable.

1982 November 18 - Cosmos 1421 - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC1. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Perigee: 206 km (128 mi). Apogee: 259 km (160 mi). Inclination: 70.30 deg. Period: 89.20 min. Duration: 14.00 days.
Photo surveillance; returned film capsule; maneuverable.

1982 December 3 - Cosmos 1422 - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Perigee: 228 km (141 mi). Apogee: 288 km (178 mi). Inclination: 72.90 deg. Period: 89.70 min. Duration: 14.00 days.
Photo surveillance; returned film capsule; maneuverable.

1982 December 23 - Cosmos 1425 - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC1. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Perigee: 220 km (130 mi). Apogee: 352 km (218 mi). Inclination: 70.00 deg. Period: 90.20 min. Duration: 14.00 days.
Photo surveillance; returned film capsule.

1983 January 27 - Cosmos 1438 - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC1. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Perigee: 205 km (127 mi). Apogee: 226 km (140 mi). Inclination: 70.40 deg. Period: 88.80 min. Duration: 11.00 days.
Photo surveillance; returned film capsule; maneuverable.

1983 March 2 - Cosmos 1444 - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Perigee: 189 km (117 mi). Apogee: 384 km (238 mi). Inclination: 72.90 deg. Period: 90.30 min. Duration: 14.00 days.
Photo surveillance; returned film capsule.

1983 March 16 - Cosmos 1446 - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC1. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Perigee: 223 km (138 mi). Apogee: 343 km (213 mi). Inclination: 69.90 deg. Period: 90.20 min. Duration: 14.00 days.
Photo surveillance; returned film capsule; maneuverable.

1983 March 31 - Cosmos 1449 - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Perigee: 197 km (122 mi). Apogee: 372 km (231 mi). Inclination: 72.70 deg. Period: 90.20 min. Duration: 15.00 days.
Photo surveillance; returned film capsule.

1983 April 8 - Cosmos 1451 - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC43/4. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Perigee: 178 km (110 mi). Apogee: 232 km (144 mi). Inclination: 82.40 deg. Period: 88.60 min. Duration: 14.00 days.
Photo surveillance; returned film capsule; maneuverable. First launch from LC43/4 since on-pad explosion in March 1980.

1983 May 6 - Cosmos 1460 - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC1. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Perigee: 207 km (128 mi). Apogee: 344 km (213 mi). Inclination: 70.30 deg. Period: 90.00 min. Duration: 14.00 days.
Photo surveillance; returned film capsule.

1983 May 31 - Cosmos 1467 - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Perigee: 194 km (120 mi). Apogee: 361 km (224 mi). Inclination: 72.90 deg. Period: 90.10 min. Duration: 12.00 days.
Photo surveillance; returned film capsule.

1983 June 14 - Cosmos 1469 - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Perigee: 193 km (119 mi). Apogee: 357 km (221 mi). Inclination: 72.80 deg. Period: 90.00 min. Duration: 10.00 days.
Photo surveillance; returned film capsule; maneuverable.

1983 July 5 - Cosmos 1472 - Program: Resurs. Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Perigee: 180 km (110 mi). Apogee: 387 km (240 mi). Inclination: 82.30 deg. Period: 88.60 min. Duration: 14.00 days.
Medium resolution photo surveillance; film capsule; also performed earth resources tasks. Investigation of the natural resources of the earth in the interests of various branches of the national economy of the USSR and international cooperation.

1983 July 13 - Cosmos 1482 - Program: Resurs. Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC1. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Perigee: 207 km (128 mi). Apogee: 350 km (210 mi). Inclination: 70.00 deg. Period: 90.10 min. Duration: 14.00 days.
Medium resolution photo surveillance; film capsule. Investigation of the natural resources of the earth in the interests of various branches of the national economy of the USSR and international cooperation.

1983 July 26 - Cosmos 1485 - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Perigee: 193 km (119 mi). Apogee: 366 km (227 mi). Inclination: 72.90 deg. Period: 90.10 min. Duration: 14.00 days.
Photo surveillance; returned film capsule.

1983 August 9 - Cosmos 1488 - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Perigee: 193 km (119 mi). Apogee: 368 km (228 mi). Inclination: 72.90 deg. Period: 90.10 min. Duration: 14.00 days.
Photo surveillance; returned film capsule.

1983 August 23 - Cosmos 1493 - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Perigee: 188 km (116 mi). Apogee: 362 km (224 mi). Inclination: 72.90 deg. Period: 90.00 min. Duration: 14.00 days.
Photo surveillance; returned film capsule.

1983 September 9 - Cosmos 1497 - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Perigee: 193 km (119 mi). Apogee: 372 km (231 mi). Inclination: 72.90 deg. Period: 90.20 min. Duration: 14.00 days.
Photo surveillance; returned film capsule.

1983 September 17 - Cosmos 1499 - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Perigee: 193 km (119 mi). Apogee: 367 km (228 mi). Inclination: 72.80 deg. Period: 90.10 min. Duration: 14.00 days.
Photo surveillance; returned film capsule.

1983 October 21 - Cosmos 1505 - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Perigee: 193 km (119 mi). Apogee: 337 km (209 mi). Inclination: 72.90 deg. Period: 89.80 min. Duration: 14.00 days.
Photo surveillance; returned film capsule.

1983 November 17 - Cosmos 1509 - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Perigee: 194 km (120 mi). Apogee: 280 km (170 mi). Inclination: 72.90 deg. Period: 89.20 min. Duration: 14.00 days.
Photo surveillance; returned film capsule; maneuverable.

1983 December 7 - Cosmos 1512 - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Perigee: 192 km (119 mi). Apogee: 380 km (230 mi). Inclination: 72.80 deg. Period: 90.30 min. Duration: 14.00 days.
Photo surveillance; returned film capsule.

1984 January 11 - Cosmos 1530 - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Perigee: 189 km (117 mi). Apogee: 362 km (224 mi). Inclination: 72.90 deg. Period: 90.00 min. Duration: 14.00 days.
Photo surveillance; returned film capsule.

1984 January 26 - Cosmos 1533 - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC1. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Perigee: 222 km (137 mi). Apogee: 354 km (219 mi). Inclination: 70.40 deg. Period: 90.30 min. Duration: 14.00 days.
Photo surveillance; returned film capsule.

1984 March 7 - Cosmos 1542 - Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: LC1. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Perigee: 223 km (138 mi). Apogee: 346 km (214 mi). Inclination: 70.30 deg. Period: 90.20 min. Duration: 14.00 days.
Photo surveillance; returned film capsule.

1984 March 21 - Cosmos 1545 - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: LC43/4. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Perigee: 193 km (119 mi). Apogee: 367 km (228 mi). Inclination: 72.90 deg. Period: 90.10 min. Duration: 15.00 days.
Photo surveillance; returned film capsule.

1984 April 19 - Cosmos 1549 - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Perigee: 194 km (120 mi). Apogee: 364 km (226 mi). Inclination: 72.80 deg. Period: 90.10 min. Duration: 14.00 days.
Photo surveillance; returned film capsule.

1984 May 11 - Cosmos 1551 - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Perigee: 193 km (119 mi). Apogee: 276 km (171 mi). Inclination: 72.90 deg. Period: 89.20 min. Duration: 12.00 days.
Photo surveillance; returned film capsule; maneuverable.

1984 June 1 - Cosmos 1568 - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Perigee: 193 km (119 mi). Apogee: 365 km (226 mi). Inclination: 72.90 deg. Period: 90.10 min. Duration: 13.00 days.
Photo surveillance; returned film capsule.

1984 June 19 - Cosmos 1573 - Launch Site: Plesetsk. Launch Complex: -. Launch Vehicle: Soyuz. Mass: 6,300 kg (13,800 lb). Perigee: 194 km (120 mi). Apogee: 287 km (178 mi). Inclination: 72.90 deg. Period: 89.30 min. Duration: 9.00 days.
Photo surveillance; returned film capsule; maneuverable.

Bibliography:

McDowell, Jonathan, Jonathan's Space Home Page (launch records), Harvard University, 1997-present. Web Address when accessed: http://www.planet4589.org/jsr.html.
JPL Mission and Spacecraft Library, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, 1997. Web Address when accessed: http://msl.jpl.nasa.gov/home.html.
Voevodin, Sergey A, VSA072 - Space Apparatus, "Sergey A. Voevodin's Reports", Web Address when accessed: http://home.attbi.com/~rusaerog/spacecraft.html.
Grahn, Sven, Sven Grahn's Space History Pages, Web Address when accessed: http://www.svengrahn.pp.se/.
McDowell, Jonathan, Launch Log, October 1998. Web Address when accessed: http://hea-www.harvard.edu/~jcm/space/log/launch.html.
Melnik, T G, Voenno-Kosmicheskiy Siliy, Nauka, Moscow, 1997..

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© Mark Wade, 1997 - 2008 except where otherwise noted.

Exploded view-Zenit
Exploded View of Typical Components of a Zenit-class reconnaissance satellite:. 1 - Power module; 2 - Solar panels; 3 - SA re-entry capsule, which returns film and camera to earth; 4 - Command radio antenna; 5 - Cold gas tanks of the pressurisation/thermal control system; 6 - Radar altimeter; 7 - Equipment module; 8 - Orientation system engine; 9 - Solid rocket motor ...
Exploded View of Typical Components of a Zenit-class reconnaissance satellite:. 1 - Power module; 2 - Solar panels; 3 - SA re-entry capsule, which returns film and camera to earth; 4 - Command radio antenna; 5 - Cold gas tanks of the pressurisation/thermal control system; 6 - Radar altimeter; 7 - Equipment module; 8 - Orientation system engine; 9 - Solid rocket motor deorbit engine; 10 - Thermoregulation system radiators; 11 - Equipment frame; 12 - Infrared horizon scanner; 13 - Electrical system umbilical; 14 - Mayak system antennae

Zenit Recovery
Credit- TsSKB

Zenit External
Zenit-mounted external payloads: small scientific devices; KNA containerised vacuum exposure devices; Nauka autonomous payload container; MKA free-flying spacecraft....
Zenit-mounted external payloads: small scientific devices; KNA containerised vacuum exposure devices; Nauka autonomous payload container; MKA free-flying spacecraft.