Recently, a new Russian radar satellite, Kondor-FKA, was launched from the Vostochny cosmodrome. Work on the apparatus was carried out for nine long years. Including problems with import substitution, which is not fully ensured.
Initially, the satellite was supposed to be in orbit a few years ago, and due to its unique capabilities, it would become indispensable for the Russian Armed Forces during the initial phase of military special operations. Why is the satellite, named after the great scavenger bird, so good?
The official statement on the launch of the spacecraft states, “Designed for remote sensing of the Earth by radar in all weather conditions at medium and high resolutions.” No more details. Roscosmos carefully avoids details. On the website of the satellite manufacturer – NPO Mashinostroeniya (the manufacturer of our hypersonic missiles), there is not even a message about the launch of the device. For data from a satellite broadcast on the network, the user manual states that the satellite is designed to predict and monitor emergencies of a natural and man-made nature (flood, forest fires, snow avalanches, oil spills, contamination of water surfaces). dangerous geological processes, monitoring the condition of forest ecosystems and agricultural lands, monitoring the ice situation along the Northern Sea Route.
All these tasks, of course, are very important for the country’s economy and would be relevant if it were not for the NWO era. Now the entire constellation of Russian military and civilian Earth observation satellites and communication devices is aimed at providing the Russian military with information about the battlefield. On the Ukrainian side, the situation is similar – satellite images from the United States, Europe and Japan devices are transmitted online to the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and the control of drones and communication between units is carried out through Starlink. Only the enemy has dozens and hundreds of times more satellites. This in itself is not a secret.
In this regard, the release of Kondor-FKA may not change the balance of power on the chessboard, but it does give the Russian military extra eyes or, if you will, ears. The principle of operation of the radar satellite is similar to the ultrasonic navigation of bats, which creates a three-dimensional model of the situation according to the reflected signal. “Kondor-FKA” also emits a radio signal and receives the reflected echo with its huge ear antenna.
Depending on the observation range, several types of reconnaissance satellites are distinguished: optoelectronic (observed in the visible wavelength range), infrared and radar.
The best foreign optical satellites can see objects as large as 0.3 meters, but they are blind at night, in fog, rain and cannot distinguish well-camouflaged shelters. Thus, they can detect the enemy only in good weather during the daytime. Infrared devices can see the buildup of military equipment with running engines. You can’t even hide underground from the radar device’s gaze. Thanks to the reflected echo signal, such satellites can see at any time of the day and in all weather conditions, and can see camouflaged trenches, bunkers, other bunkers and enemies by penetrating tens of meters deep into the ground, depending on the wavelength of the emitted signal. communication lines, floor and an empty room will reflect the signal differently. Tree crowns and camouflage nets show hidden military equipment at a glance, not blocking radar radiation. Not to mention the detection of objects standing in open space. Additionally, the radar satellite can easily distinguish real military equipment from inflatable full-size mockups. Optical or infrared observation satellites (with the appropriate heating scheme) do not detect fakes.
In this case, the radar satellite creates a three-dimensional three-dimensional map. This is another advantage over two-dimensional images obtained from optical devices – not only an image is obtained depending on the terrain, but also the height of the relief. In addition, because the radio signal reflected from metal mines looks different from the reflection on the ground, radar satellites can see the minefields.
Now more than a dozen foreign satellites are used against Russia for radar drilling of the Earth. Including German SAR-Lupe vehicles produced during the friendship period with Europe in 2006-08 under a contract with the Plesetsk military cosmodrome American Lacrosse.
For Russia, the “Kondor-FKA” will be the first device of its kind in ten years since the failure of the previous “Kondor-M”. The new satellite can distinguish objects measuring 1 by 1 meter. This is not enough to see individual soldiers, but it allows you to see any armored vehicle and trenches. And the regularity of observations is to monitor the movement of enemy troops.
Kondor-FKA’s sun-synchronous orbit will allow it to see Ukraine every morning and evening, but will not cover the special operations area alone. For reliable observation 3-4 such devices are required. Only one is in production so far – they promise to launch it next year. According to official data, work is underway on a modernized satellite that can see objects as small as 0.5 square meters. And this is already at the level of Western analogues.
The author expresses his personal opinion, which may not coincide with the editors’ position.
Source: Gazeta
Dolores Johnson is a voice of reason at “Social Bites”. As an opinion writer, she provides her readers with insightful commentary on the most pressing issues of the day. With her well-informed perspectives and clear writing style, Dolores helps readers navigate the complex world of news and politics, providing a balanced and thoughtful view on the most important topics of the moment.