Strela (satellite)


Strela is a Russian military communications satellite constellation operating in low Earth orbit. These satellites operate as mailboxes : they remember the received messages and then resend them after the scheduled time, or by a command from the Earth. Some sources state the satellites are capable of only three months of active operation, but in accordance with others they can serve for about five years. The satellites are used for transmission of encrypted messages and images.

History

The first three satellites, Kosmos 38, Kosmos 39 and Kosmos 40, were launched on 18 August 1964. Five different types of Strela satellites have been launched, designated Strela-1, Strela-1M, Strela-2, Strela-2M, and Strela-3. Strela satellites are also used for the civilian Gonets program. The current version of Strela, Strela-3M is also known as Rodnik.

Accidents and incidents