Cosmos-2222

Depiction of a US-K satellite.

Cosmos 2222 was launched twenty years ago on 25 November, 1992 from the Plesetsk cosmodrome.

The 1900 kilogram US-K model satellite was part of the Oko (eye) program, which were intended to identify ballistic missile launches through infra-red detection of their exhaust. To detect these launches the satellites were equipped with a distinctive telescope equipped with a four metre sunshade.

Cosmos 2222 ceased functioning in December 1996, but remains in orbit today, along with the Molniya rocket body that launched it.