COSMOS 954 ORBIT CONTINUES TO DECAY

• Document Type: FOIA
• Collection: FOIA Collection
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): 06863658
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: U
• Document Page Count: 2
• Document Creation Date: March 9, 2023
• Document Release Date: September 30, 2020
• Case Number: F-2019-01181
• Publication Date: November 18, 1977

Approved for Release: 2020/09/28 C06863658
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18 NOVEMBER 1977
COSMOS 954 ORBIT CONTINUES TO DECAY
Cosmos 954, a radar ocean reconnaissance
RORSAT has annparent
satellite
malfunction,
If
e Soviets are unable to boost the satellite's nuclear
power supply into the usual 500-run orbit, it appears
that the spacecraft will reenter in the first quarter
of 1978. In the event of an attitude control system
malfunction, the satellite might decay in late December
or January. These judgments refine, somewhat, those
presented in our initial report. (See WIDR for 8
November 1977).
17,75.""Serefa.t...
223
Approved for Release: 2020/09/28 C06863658
Approved for Release: 2020/09/28 C06863658
18 NOVEMBER 1977
If the attitude control system fails, the satellite
will start tumbling and boost into the disposal orbit
will no longer be possible. With the increased drag
that would result, the satellite might decay in late
December or January. Otherwise, it should remain in
orbit two or three months ionizer.
afe
Approved for Release: 2020/09/28 C06863658