Resurs-Spektr

As early as 1989 Russian officials indicated that future civil Earth observation satellites may employ digital electronic transmission techniques in realtime or near-realtime like the current fifth-generation military photographic reconnaissance satellites. This capability may soon be realized under the new Resurs-Spektr program. Resurs-Spektr V spacecraft appear to be modified fifth-generation satellites and reportedly will produce 3-5 m resolution stereo images. Almaz-class phased-array antennas enable downlinks via geostationary relay satellites. A second Resurs-Spektr variant, Resurs-Spektr Rl, with a sidelooking radar has also been proposed (References 714-715). Another possible replacement for the Resurs-F class of spacecraft is an imaging variant of the Kuban spacecraft which has been under development for several years for microgravity research (Reference 716).