In today's world, Kosmos 862 has become a topic of great relevance and controversy. For decades now, Kosmos 862 has captured the attention of experts and neophytes alike, generating heated debates and passionate reactions. The impact of Kosmos 862 is undeniable, affecting aspects as diverse as economics, politics, science, and culture. Regardless of the perspective from which it is approached, Kosmos 862 has become an omnipresent phenomenon that demands to be analyzed carefully. In this article, we will explore different aspects related to Kosmos 862, seeking to shed light on its implications and challenges.
Mission type | Early warning |
---|---|
COSPAR ID | 1976-105A |
SATCAT no. | 9495 |
Mission duration | 4 years [1] |
Spacecraft properties | |
Spacecraft type | US-K[2] |
Launch mass | 1,900 kilograms (4,200 lb) |
Start of mission | |
Launch date | 22 October 1976, 09:12 | UTC
Rocket | Molniya-M/2BL[2] |
Launch site | Plesetsk Cosmodrome[2][3] |
End of mission | |
Deactivated | 15 March 1977[1] |
Orbital parameters | |
Reference system | Geocentric |
Regime | Molniya [2] |
Perigee altitude | 612 kilometres (380 mi)[4] |
Apogee altitude | 39,763 kilometres (24,708 mi)[4] |
Inclination | 62.9 degrees[4] |
Period | 718.21 minutes[4] |
Kosmos 862 (Russian: Космос 862 meaning Cosmos 862) was a Soviet US-K missile early warning satellite which was launched in 1976 as part of the Soviet military's Oko programme. The satellite was designed to identify missile launches using optical telescopes and infrared sensors.[2]
Kosmos 862 was launched from Site 43/4 at Plesetsk Cosmodrome in the Russian SSR.[3] A Molniya-M carrier rocket with a 2BL upper stage was used to perform the launch, which took place at 09:12 UTC on 22 October 1976.[3]
The launch successfully placed the satellite into a molniya orbit. It subsequently received its Kosmos designation, and the international designator 1976-105A.[4] The United States Space Command assigned it the Satellite Catalog Number 9495.[4]
The satellite self-destructed on March 15, 1977, breaking into 13 pieces of which several are still on orbit.[1][5]