Sun-synchronous Earth Observation System

Meanwhile, RKK Energiya, relying on their experience with the Progress-M and Gamma spacecraft, have conceived a new, nearly 10 metric-ton, sun-synchronous satellite with a variety of Earth observation sensors, including aside-looking radar, a television camera, a video spectrometer, and a scanning radiometer. The scientific payload could reach a mass of 1.4 metric tons with an available power of 2 kW. From an operating altitude of 400-800 km, the spacecraft would be able to return data directly or via a relay satellite for a period of 3-5 years. If approved, launch by the Zenit booster would not come until 1996 or later.