OSCAR

• Series of 25 operational meteorological satellites in polar orbit.
• Follow-on of a number of experimental payloads hosted by multi-purpose satellites of the Cosmos series (10 launched in the timeframe 1964-1968).
• Russian programme: RosHydroMet responsible of the overall programme and of running the operational phase, Roscosmos responsible of the development of the space segment.
• Satellites actively stabilised over 3 axes.
• The design lifetime was 6 months.
• Drifting orbits with high inclination.
• Replacement policy based on frequent launches: average 3.4 launches/year.
• See detailed description at https://directory.eoportal.org/missions/meteor.

Note: in the satellite descriptive sheets, because of uncertain EOL dates, a mission duration of 9 months has been assumed.

• Data stored onboard and downlinked to RosHydroMet acquisition stations.  Processed and disseminated by RosHydroMet.