Spy satellite Resurs
An original Russian spy satellite, used to photograph the Earth from space.
What is the Resurs?
The Resurs F1-14F43 is an uncrewed reconnaissance spacecraft that made its first journey into space in 1988. It was launched for scientific research and Earth observation — terms that, during the Cold War, could also serve as euphemisms for espionage activities. This F1-14F43 model was launched in 1988 aboard a Soyuz rocket from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome in the Soviet Union. The design of this type of satellite is more than 40 years old.
What did the Resurs do in space?
In 1988, this Resurs secretly captured images for two weeks. Cameras were mounted behind each of its five windows, taking photographs on film that had to be returned to Earth for development. To the left of the access hatch is the parachute compartment. On the side, circular panels with connection plugs can be seen, which electrically connected the spherical capsule to the rest of the satellite. The scorched heat shield clearly shows the marks left by its return through Earth's atmosphere.
Did you know...
This spacecraft weighs approximately 6.300 kg.
Unlike many modern satellites, part of the Resurs spacecraft returned to Earth.
The design was based on the famous Vostok and Zenit spacecraft, which were derived from the same technology used for the first crewed spaceflights.
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