The Day America Pioneered Polar Orbits
Sixty-six years ago, a Thor-Agena rocket thundered into the California sky carrying Discoverer 1, the first satellite attempt at polar orbit and the secret vanguard of Americas space reconnaissance program
RESURS F-16 (22093)
COSPAR: 1992-056A | Alt Name: Resurs-F
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
August 19, 1992
Launch Site
PLMSC
Launch Pad
LC16/2
Launch Vehicle
Soyuz-U
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
22093
International Designator
1992-056A
Decay Date
9/4/1992
Basic Satellite Info
Name
RESURS F-16
Alternative Name
Resurs-F
Type
Payload
Status
Decayed
Owner
PRIR
Country
Russia
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Summary
RESURS F-16, also known as Resurs-F, is an Earth observation satellite identified by its NORAD catalog ID 22093 and OBJECT_ID 1992-056A. Launched on August 19, 1992, from the PLMSC LC16/2 launch pad using a Soyuz-U vehicle, this Russian satellite was built by TSSKB and carries the Bus Resurs-F1 with a Vostok/Zenit Capsule configuration. Equipped with a Priroda-4 imaging system that includes 2 KFA-1000 and 3 KATE-200 cameras, RESURS F-16 is designed for film return missions to observe Earth. The satellite has dimensions of 6.5 meters in length and span, with a diameter of 2.4 meters, featuring a sphere plus DCone shape. It weighs 2555 kg both at launch and dry mass, powered by batteries. Its maneuver module is propelled by an 11D82M motor with an S5.120 propulsion system for adjustments in orbit. The satellite’s mission was overseen by PRIR (Priroda).
Physical Characteristics
Length
6.5
Diameter
2.4
Span
6.5
Dry Mass
2555
Launch Mass
2555
Shape
Sphere + DCone
Radar Cross Section
6.38
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Resurs-F1-14F43 No. 14L
Purpose
Earth Observation (film return)
Mission
Earth Observation (film return)
Manufacturer
TSSKB
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Resurs-F1
Configuration
Vostok / Zenit Capsule
Motor
11D82M; S5.120 (maneuver module)
Equipment
Priroda-4 imaging system (2 x KFA-1000, 3 x KATE-200)
Power System
Batteries
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
Space Brief 25 Nov 2024
Today's brief highlights the need for better space debris management, multiple SpaceX Starlink launches, and NASA's upcoming lunar cargo delivery plans.
Space Brief 1 Nov 2024
Today's update highlights Boeing's challenges with the Starliner, Europe's IRIS2 constellation advancement, China's CAS Space's global ambitions, and vivid new telescope images of cosmic events.
MDA and Hanwha Partner on South Korea K-LEO Defense Network | KeepTrack Space Brief
MDA Space and Hanwha target South Korea's K-LEO defense satellite network. House passes $839B defense bill. Pentagon picks 25 vendors for $150M drone competition.
Space Brief 12 Dec 2025
Today's space brief highlights the U.S. Space Force's new satellite naming scheme, the Air Force Secretary's warnings on China's space advances, BAE Systems' DARPA award, strategies for future space defense, the importance of GEO satellite refueling, and Blue Origin's plans for Space Force certification.
Space Brief 4 Sep 2025
Today's briefing covers a surprise launch by Israel, a milestone missile contract for Lockheed Martin, and updates on Indian missile defense strategies.
Space Brief 30 Oct 2025
Today's brief explores rising investments in space with defense ties, potential Space Force-NRO coordination, and more, offering insight into current military and defense satellite dynamics.
X Report 12 Jun 2025
Today, SpaceX faced delays in launching the Ax-4 mission due to a booster leak, while Starlink made strides towards launching in India with new telecom license approval.