Parus (Russian: Парус meaning Sail), also Tsyklon-B or Tsiklon-B (Russian: Циклон-Б meaning Cyclone-B) and Tsikada-M (Russian: Цикада-М meaning Cicada-M),^[1] GRAU index 11F627, is a Russian, previously Soviet satellite constellation used for communication and navigation. As of 2010, 99 Parus satellites have been launched, starting with Kosmos 700 in 1974.^[2] All launches have been conducted using Kosmos-3M carrier rockets, flying from sites 132 and 133 at the Plesetsk Cosmodrome.^[3]

The prime function of Parus satellites is to provide location information for Tsiklon-B navigation system.^[4]

Parus satellites are produced by JSC Information Satellite Systems (formerly NPO PM), based on the KAUR-1 satellite bus. They have a mass of around 825 kilograms (1,819 lb), and a design life of 18–24 months.^[1] The satellites operate in low Earth orbits, typically with a perigee of about 950 kilometres (590 mi), an apogee of 1,005 kilometres (624 mi) and 82.9° inclination.^[2] They are operated by the Russian Aerospace Defence Forces, and are used primarily for navigation, Store and forward communication, and to relay data from US-P satellites.^[2] Some of the navigation functions are believed to have been superseded by the GLONASS system.^[2]

See also

• Strela (satellite)

References