Pion-NKS

The Pion-NKS has an improved resolution compared to its predecessor, and features high efficiency radars. The Spacecraft "Pion-NKS" was created by FSUE "CB" Arsenal ". The spacecraft of radar reconnaissance 14F139 "Pion-NKS" together with the space radio intelligence device 14F138 "Lotus-S" are part of the newest Russian satellite reconnaissance system "Liana". The Pion-NKS spacecraft is designed for radar and radio observation of ground objects, control in various radio bands of the ionosphere and near-earth space. Perspective satellite of radar reconnaissance "Pion-NKS" 14F139 is able to detect an object the size of a car on any surface, it has been in operation since 2015. After entering the settlement mode, "Liana" will completely replace the outdated system "Legend" - "Celina", built in the Soviet era, which ceased to function in 2008 due to the development of satellite resources.

Cosmos 2405 is a Russian military satellite that was launched by a Tsyklon 2 rocket from Baikonur at 06:00 UT on 28 May 2004. It was reported to be a new US-PU satellite of the Legenda (EORSAT) naval reconnaissance and targetting system. This satellite was initially erroneously designated as Cosmos 2407. When Molniya 1-T (2004-005A) was properly identified, the Cosmos 2405 name was reassigned to this satellite.

According to the data posted on the Arsenal design bureau’s website, as of 2017 the company was assembling two types of satellites: the Lotos-S and the Pion-NKS. The first type of the satellites was designed to determine the coordinates of radio-technical means of ground-based facilities and exercise control in various radiofrequency bands of the ionosphere and in the near-Earth space. The second type was designed for radar and radio-technical surveillance of ground objectives and control in various radiofrequency bands in the ionosphere and in the near-Earth space.

The work on creating the Pion-NKS satellite as an integral part of the Liana radio-electronic reconnaissance system is at its final stage, Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said on 03 March 2020. «The Defense Ministry continues its work on creating and maintaining the orbital grouping of military satellites. In December last year, we approved the schedule of completing the work on the Pion-NKS. The timeframe of its launch largely depends on enterprises that are the developers of space rocketry,» the defense minister said at a conference call. The conference call will hear «the reports on what the Berg Radio-Technical Institute and the Arsenal Design Bureau are doing to implement the mapped-out plans,» Shoigu said.

The Russian Ministry of Defense continues to develop an orbital constellation of military satellites. Participants in the conference call, which is being held at the Russian Ministry of Defense on 30 June 2020, discussed the schedule for the creation of the Pion-NKS satellite, said Russian Defense Minister Army General Sergei Shoigu, opening the meeting.

"We regularly consider problematic issues, including the timing of the creation and launch of the Pion-NKS spacecraft, at conference calls. Last November, a schedule for the completion of the production of this device was approved. Today we will discuss how it is implemented," said Shoigu .

According to him, the Ministry of Defense continues to develop an orbital grouping of military spacecraft. "The solution to this problem largely depends on the successful activities of developers and manufacturers of space rocket technology," the minister said.

Shoigu previously reported that work on the creation of the Pion-NKS satellite, which is part of the Liana electronic intelligence system, is being completed. In 2017, he announced that the Russian Defense Ministry would create the Liana space system with the Lotus-S and Pion-NKS spacecraft.