COSMOS 2138 (21203)

COSPAR: 1991-023A | Alt Name: Kosmos-2138

DECAYED

Image

Additional Sources

Launch Details

Launch Date

March 26, 1991

Launch Site

PLMSC

Launch Pad

LC16/2

Launch Vehicle

Soyuz-U

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

21203

International Designator

1991-023A

Decay Date

5/24/1991

Basic Satellite Info

Name

COSMOS 2138

Alternative Name

Kosmos-2138

Type

Payload

Status

Decayed

Owner

UNKSR

Country

USSR

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Summary

COSMOS 2138, also known as Kosmos-2138, is a reconnaissance satellite launched on March 26, 1991, from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome (LC16/2) using a Soyuz-U launch vehicle. It was manufactured by TSSKB and operated under the Yantar'-4K2 bus configuration, consisting of a main reentry module and two small reentry capsules. The satellite measures 6.3 meters in length with a diameter of 2.7 meters and has a span of 6.3 meters. Its dry mass is 2886 kg, which also corresponds to its launch mass. Equipped with 2 deployable solar arrays and batteries for power supply, COSMOS 2138 was designed for photo reconnaissance missions, including film return capabilities, making it a significant asset in the Soviet Union's reconnaissance efforts during that period.

Physical Characteristics

Length

6.3

Diameter

2.7

Span

6.3

Dry Mass

2886

Launch Mass

2886

Shape

Cyl + 2 Pan

Radar Cross Section

19.93

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

Kobal't No. 536

Purpose

Reconnaissance, photo (film return type)

Mission

Reconnaissance, photo (film return type)

Manufacturer

TSSKB

Life Expectancy

Unknown

Bus

Yantar'-4K2

Configuration

Yantar Bus, main reentry module, 2 small reentry capsules

Motor

Unknown

Equipment

Unknown

Power System

2 deployable solar arrays, batteries

ADCS

Unknown

Transmitter Frequency

Unknown

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