![cover image](https://wikiwandv2-19431.kxcdn.com/_next/image?url=https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/f3/Zenit_space_vehicle.jpg/640px-Zenit_space_vehicle.jpg&w=640&q=50)
Zenit (satellite)
Series of Soviet spy satellites, 1961-2004 / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
For other uses, see Zenit.
Zenit (Russian: Зени́т, IPA: [zʲɪˈnʲit], Zenith) was a series of military photoreconnaissance satellites launched by the Soviet Union between 1961 and 1994. To conceal their nature, all flights were given the public Kosmos designation.
Quick Facts Manufacturer, Country of origin ...
![]() Zenit re-entry capsule, showing camera ports | |
Manufacturer | OKB-1 |
---|---|
Country of origin | Soviet Union |
Operator | Soviet space program |
Applications | Photo reconnaissance |
Production | |
Status | Retired |
Launched | 688 |
Lost | 21 |
Maiden launch | 11 Dec 1961 Zenit 2-1 |
Last launch | 7 Jun 1994 Kosmos 2281 |
Last retirement | 8 Nov 2004 Zenit 8-103 |
Related spacecraft | |
Derived from | Vostok |
Close