Program: Foton

Also called Photon

Scientific Russian program. The satellite is partially recoverable. It carries scientific experiments for Russia and other countries.

Technical data

---

The Foton satellite, built by the Central Specialized Design Bureau in Samara, is based on the Vostok/Zenit spy satellite bus. The spacecraft consists of a spherical descent module, a service module with solid-propellant deorbit motor, and a separable battery pack.

The Foton M satellites are modified Vostok spacecraft containing a service module, a solid-fuel retro-rocket unit and batteries. Typical mass of about 6200 - 6500 kg. Scientific payload mass about 650 kg. 800 W power.

---