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Work on the Soviet Union's first infrared ICBM launch detection satellite began in 1967 as the USK - space system to observe rocket launches. Savin's TsNII Kometa was prime contractor, with Kovtunenko at KB Lavochkin providing the integrated launch vehicle and satellite bus system. As defined in the PVO's TTZ specification document, the system would provide 15 to 30 minute earlier warning of ballistic missile launch than radar systems. The system would be launched from Plesetsk from a dedicated Molniya pad. The original command-and-control system was unique to the project, operating from a single location and not integrated with GUKOS common systems. Four experimental versions of the satellite were launched from 1972-1976, beginning with Kosmos 520. Three of these were put into operation, resulting in an initial usable system in 1977. But even with a four satellite constellation 24 hour observation of all possible launch locations was not possible, so development began of a replacement system in 1980. The PVO project manager was Hero of Soviet Labor Lieutenant General M I Nenashev. The SPRN was just part of an integrated system using digital computers installed at the TsKKP Centre for Control of the Space Theatre of Operations. The TsKKP integrated data from the SPRN satellites, anti-ballistic missile radars, optico-electronic satellite tracking stations, and laser ground complexes to track all objects in space up to 40,000 km altitude. TsKKP maintained a catalogue of tens of thousands of orbiting spacecraft, objects, and fragments, which GUKOS used to guide operations of the space forces. Typical orbit: 2,980 km x 40,800 km at 61.8 to 69 degrees inclin. Associated Launch Vehicle: Molniya 8K78M. Oko Chronology
Bibliography and Further Reading
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