Ecologia

Almost simultaneous with the Tellura-EKO proposal came the Salyut Design Bureau's concept of a slightly less sophisticated spacecraft known as Ecologia. With roughly the same physical characteristics (mass of 21 metric tons, payload of 8-9 metric tons, average power of 3 kW), Ecologia was designed to operate at altitudes of 350-450 km for 3-5 years. Orbital inclinations of 51 degrees, 65 degrees, or 73 degrees are possible. The original Ecologia prospectus indicated that a launch by 1993 was possible, however, without foreign investment the program is unlikely to be fulfilled (Reference 724).