Polyot (satellite)

Polyot 1 craft

Polyot (Russian: Полёт, meaning "flight") was a designation given to two satellites operated by the Soviet Union. Polyot 1 and Polyot 2 were launched on 2 November 1963 and 12 April 1964 respectively.

Both spacecrafts were fitted with special controls to allow for maneuverability in space; each was able to adjust inclination as well as apogee and perigee, they were the first satellites capable of high maneuverability in this regard.

Each craft weighed 600kg and were launched from Baikonur Cosmodrome by an R-7 rocket. Their orbits have since decayed.

Polyot 2 craft

The Polyot satellite designs were later essentially continued under the Kosmos designation starting from Kosmos 185.

Anti-Satellite research

The Polyot satellites were an early element of the Istrebitel Sputnikov anti-satellite programme, often shortened with the designation 'IS', and were designed to test maneuverability capability of remotely operated spacecraft in Earth orbit. Once both Satellites were in orbit they were tested for maneuvering capability, and successfully demonstrated the ability to adjust their inclination as well as apsis; they have been described as the first satellites capable of high orbital maneuverability, and were followed by successful orbital rendezvous/interception testing in the years following during the course of the IS programme.