Tsyklon-3 (F-2, SL-14)
Overview, Supporting Facilities and Launch Vehicles of the Soviet Space Program *
1976-1980
* Prepared by the late Charles S. Sheldon II and Geoffrey E. Perry M.B.E. Dr. Sheldon was the Senior Specialist in Space and Transportation Technology, Mr. Perry is a Senior Teacher at Kettering Boys School, England, and the leader of the Kettering Group of amateur satellite observers.
THE IMPROVED F-2 VERSION
A new inclination of 76 degrees appeared with the launch from Plesetsk of Kosmos 921 in mid-1977. Two more Kosmos flights in the same year also flew at this inclination and are believed to have been vehicle tests of the F launcher from the northern cosmodrome. This inclination was not used again but a new series of launches at 82.5 degrees began in mid-1978. Kosmos 1076 and 1151 were identified as performing oceanographic research and had orbital periods of 97.8 min. as did the first launch of the series, Kosmos 1025. Kosmos 1045, with a period of a little more than 2 hours, was orbited by the same launch vehicle as the first two Soviet amateur radio satellites, RS1 and RS2.
Next to appear was a series of low orbit satellites at 82.3 degrees inclination which were recovered after missions lasting 2 weeks. Many of these were stated to be performing Earth resources missions and some were specifically identified as collecting data for the Priroda (Nature) Center. It is believed that all these missions are launched by a version of the F -vehicle with an improved upper stage which may be designated as F-2. Figure 20 is an attempt to guess at what the F-2 might look like if, indeed, such a variant does exist.
Commenting on the draft version of table 15, dark expressed serious doubts about the wisdom of identifying the recoverable 82.3 degrees launches as F-2 on the grounds that, without new second and third stages, the F vehicle would be incapable of placing a 7,000 kilogram reconnaissance payload in orbit. Basing his reasoning on calculations and the report in Aviation Week and Space Technology to the effect that the new launcher is the two-stage missile with a new third orbital stage, he designates the vehicle as F-l-X rather than F-2. (55)
References:
1. SOVIET SPACE PROGRAMS: 1976-80, SUPPORTING FACILITIES AND LAUNCH VEHICLES, POLITICAL GOALS AND PURPOSES, INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION IN SPACE, ADMINISTRATION, RESOURCE BURDEN, FUTURE OUTLOOK PREPARED AT THE REQUEST OF HON. BOB PACKWOOD, Chairman, COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE, SCIENCE, AND TRANSPORTATION, UNITED STATES SENATE, Part 1, Dec. 1982.
48 Tolubko, V. F. Moscow, Krasnaya Zvezda, Nov. 18, 1967 , p. 1A.
49. Tass, Moscow , 0710 GMT, Nov. 7,1967 .
50. Dankevich, P. E. Interview on Moscow Radio. 1430 GMT, Nov. 18, 1966 .
51. Laird, Melvin R. Fiscal Year 1971 Defense Program and Budget. Feb. 20, 1970 , p. 103.
52. Clark, Phillip S., The Scarp Program,. Spaceflight, London , May 1981, vol. 23, pp. 147-152.
53. Clark, P. S., op. cit.
54. Perry, G. E., private communication to C. S. Sheldon, Oct. 9, 1980 .
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