In the Soviet Union since the late 50-ies. work was carried out to establish a means of combating the U.S. military reconnaissance satellites. November 1, 1963 into orbit maneuvering came first Soviet satellite, the flight-1. April 12, 1964 kicked off the flight-2. These satellites have been developed in the design bureau of Vladimir Nikolaevich Chelomey and served as prototypes for the automatic satellite interceptor fighter satellite IP). Actually interception in space satellite IP was first successfully performed the same day, five years after commissioning of the first JS - November 1, 1968
In 1960, the 80-ies. in the Soviet Union made several dozen fighters test satellites. The last such test was held on June 18, 1982 It was a part of the greatest scientists of the Soviet nuclear force, known in the West, "a seven-hour nuclear war". Exercises, during which launched the land and sea ballistic missiles, missile, military satellites (including the interceptor), fired on the leadership of the United States a lasting impression. "Seven-hour nuclear war" gave compelling arguments to the U.S. military and politicians, demanding to begin work on the creation of the United States and an anti-missile systems, a new generation.
The decision to develop and deploy ASAT President Ronald Reagan announced in a month after the "seven-hour nuclear war" - in July 1982 then March 23, 1983 Reagan announced the Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI). This program was soon dubbed "Star Wars" in honor of the popular movie.
In the U.S., work on the creation of military space stations deployed in the early 70's, before the announcement of Reagan's SDI program. Offered the most exotic designs using kinetic, laser and beam weapons. For example, the possibility of placing in orbit of a powerful X-ray laser. The energy for it would provide a nuclear explosion. However, the reality was not so easy as on paper. A series of tests of the laser and beam weapons revealed many problems that American scientists have failed to resolve until the official exit papers on SRI in 1993
And what about the Soviet Union? In the mid 70's. work on space strike weapons have been launched in the NPO Energia, headed by Valentin Petrovich Glushko. Leading role of "Energy" has been issued a special Decree of the CPSU Central Committee and USSR Council of Ministers "On the investigation of the possibility of creating weapons for warfare in outer space and from space.
In the official history of RKK Energia. Korolev, published in 1996, these works read as follows:
In the 70-80-ies. was carried out complex studies to determine possible ways of creating space vehicles capable of solving the problem of CA lesions, military, ballistic missiles in flight, as well as the critical air, sea and ground targets. In this task was to achieve the required characteristics of these funds based on the use in existence at the time of scientific and technical reserve with a view to developing these resources for capacity constraints and financing.
To defeat the military space objects have been developed two combat spacecraft on a single constructive manner, equipped with various types of airborne weapons systems - Laser and Missile .
To defeat the military space objects have been developed two combat spacecraft on a single constructive manner, equipped with various types of airborne weapons systems - Laser and Missile .
Smaller mass airborne weapon systems with missile weapons, in comparison with the complex with a laser weapon, allowing the spacecraft to carry a greater fuel capacity, so it seemed appropriate to create a system with a constellation, consisting of military satellites, some of which are equipped with a laser, and another - missile weapons. In this first type of apparatus should be used for low-orbit objects, and the second - on objects located on medium-high and geostationary orbits
Both types of military satellites developed by NPO Energia was decided to create a constructive basis. Based on the estimates of the mass characteristics of future combat systems as the underlying platform has been selected orbital station type 17K DOS. NPO Energia already had extensive experience operating vehicles in its class. Based on this basic platform, as mentioned above were developed by two combat complex:
17F19 "Skif" - a system which provides for the use of lasers
17F111 "cascade" - a system with missile weapons.
NPO Energia was the umbrella organization for the whole program of anti-missile and space-based weapons. Parent company of the laser complex for "Skiff" has become the NGO "Astrophysics" - Soviet Union's leading firm of lasers. Missile system for the "Cascade" was developed in the firm AE Nudelman, a famous Soviet arms designer for aircraft and spacecraft. In orbit, "Scythians" and "The Cascades" must have been the first (pilot) stage rocket 8K82K Proton-K ", and later - the orbital vessels 11F35OK Buran. For longer alerting each type of spacecraft was able to refuel, which would have to provide shuttle "Buran". In addition, envisaged the possibility of visiting the battle station crew of two people for up to 7 days for ships such as the Soyuz.
Missile Station,Cascade
Smaller mass airborne weapons complex "cascade" of missiles, compared with a set of "Scythian" with a laser weapon, allowing the spacecraft to carry a greater fuel capacity, so it seemed appropriate to create a system with a constellation consisting of military satellites, one part of which is equipped with a laser, and another - with missiles. In this first type of spacecraft was supposed to be used on low-orbit objects, and the second - on objects located on medium-high and geostationary orbits.
To start defeat ballistic missiles and their parent units in the passive segment of the flight at NPO Energia for a complex "cascade", a draft of the interceptor missile space-based. In the practice of NPO Energia, it was the smallest but the most power per missile. Suffice it to say that the starting weight, measured in tens of kilograms, the interceptor missile had a margin of characteristic velocity, which is commensurate with the characteristic velocity missiles that bring advanced payloads into orbit satellites. High performance is achieved by using technological solutions, based on the latest achievements of Soviet science and technology in the miniaturization of instrumentation. Authoring NPO Energia was a unique propulsion system that uses unconventional nekriogennye fuel and heavy-duty composite materials.
For orbital testing of missiles, it was decided to install them on cargo transport spacecraft "Progress". In the first stage in 1986-88. were planned five flights of ships under the "Cascade". On the industrial base of NPO Energia - Pilot Plant Engineering (MEM) has begun production of these ships by hull number 129, 130, 131, 132 and 133. However, prior to flight test it never came.
To engage critical ground targets developed space station, which is based on a series of station 17K DOS and which had to be based stand-alone modules with warheads of ballistic or gliding type. On special team units were separated from the station, maneuvering through they had to take the necessary position in space, followed by a separate unit on the team for combat use. Construction and main system of autonomous modules have been borrowed from the orbiter "Buran". Alternatively, the warhead was considered the unit on the basis of an experimental model of UC Buran (family units "BOR").
To start defeat ballistic missiles and their parent units in the passive segment of the flight at NPO Energia for a complex "cascade", a draft of the interceptor missile space-based. In the practice of NPO Energia, it was the smallest but the most power per missile. Suffice it to say that the starting weight, measured in tens of kilograms, the interceptor missile had a margin of characteristic velocity, which is commensurate with the characteristic velocity missiles that bring advanced payloads into orbit satellites. High performance is achieved by using technological solutions, based on the latest achievements of Soviet science and technology in the miniaturization of instrumentation. Authoring NPO Energia was a unique propulsion system that uses unconventional nekriogennye fuel and heavy-duty composite materials.
For orbital testing of missiles, it was decided to install them on cargo transport spacecraft "Progress". In the first stage in 1986-88. were planned five flights of ships under the "Cascade". On the industrial base of NPO Energia - Pilot Plant Engineering (MEM) has begun production of these ships by hull number 129, 130, 131, 132 and 133. However, prior to flight test it never came.
To engage critical ground targets developed space station, which is based on a series of station 17K DOS and which had to be based stand-alone modules with warheads of ballistic or gliding type. On special team units were separated from the station, maneuvering through they had to take the necessary position in space, followed by a separate unit on the team for combat use. Construction and main system of autonomous modules have been borrowed from the orbiter "Buran". Alternatively, the warhead was considered the unit on the basis of an experimental model of UC Buran (family units "BOR").
Fighting module goes into the goal.
The same basic module, as on the orbital station "Mir", they are lateral (not a secret that the "spectrum", for example, suggests testing an optical system for detecting missile launches. A stable platform with TV cameras and the "Crystal" - What is not a sight?), but instead of astrophysical Kvant - a module with a complex command and control. The "ball" transitional space - another adapter on which hang four modules (based on "Buranovskie" fuselage) with combat units. That is to say, the "original position". On alert, they are separated and labor costs of the orbit, chosen from the following considerations: that every unit went out on his goal at a time when it will fly over the control center.
The fuselage of "Buran" is used in this project on the principle of "do not disappear as good: large stocks of fuel in the combined propulsion system and a good management system can actively maneuver in orbit, with the payload - combat units are in a container, hidden from prying eye, as well as adverse factors of space flight.
What is important in the context of strategic deterrence - this weapon system will cause the impact, "surgical" strike, even if it is destroyed the rest. As nuclear-powered submarines, it is able to wait out the first salvo.
Military payload for OK Buran was designed on the basis of a special secret decree of the CPSU Central Committee and USSR Council of Ministers "On the investigation of the possibility of creating weapons for combat operations in and from outer space" (1976)
Combat units, representing an essentially planning a nuclear bomb were to be placed compactly in the payload bay of combat shock module with folded wing in three or four successively established revolving ejection launchers.
Dimensions of the payload bay of Buran can be placed on each rotating catapult up to five warheads, as shown in the figure. Taking into account the possible side-maneuver each combat unit during the descent in the atmosphere of not less than plus / minus 1100 - 1500 km a stroke unit could in a short time their twenty maneuverable warheads to wipe all life off the face of the Earth in a strip up to 3000 km.
(SDI - Strategic Defense Initiative)
addressed issues of mining by Buran near-Earth space with the creation of compelling curtains for the space segment SDI. Moreover, the Soviet Union conducted research with experimental testing ground for the creation of orbital blasting clouds, quickly and completely "clean" from the spacecraft fly NEO space to the heights of 3000 km. Of course, then NEO space becomes completely unavailable for several months, but those measures to be used only during (or immediately before) the full-scale military conflict between the USSR and the USA. And as you know, chop wood - chips fly ".
addressed issues of mining by Buran near-Earth space with the creation of compelling curtains for the space segment SDI. Moreover, the Soviet Union conducted research with experimental testing ground for the creation of orbital blasting clouds, quickly and completely "clean" from the spacecraft fly NEO space to the heights of 3000 km. Of course, then NEO space becomes completely unavailable for several months, but those measures to be used only during (or immediately before) the full-scale military conflict between the USSR and the USA. And as you know, chop wood - chips fly ".
However, much more advanced work on laser weapons. Therefore, the creation of space laser weapons worth discussing in more detail.
Project History SKIF.
To counter ballistic missiles proved to be too complex a problem. Because the customer - the Ministry of Defence of the USSR, decided to first develop an effective anti-satellite weapons. After disable the spacecraft is much easier than flying to detect and destroy a warhead. Thus, in the Soviet Union began to so-called program of "anti-SDI. This system was supposed to destroy future American military spacecraft, thus depriving the U.S. defense against nuclear missiles. These Soviet plant-killers fit well within the Soviet military doctrine, providing for a so-called "anticipatory retaliation", according to which the first Soviet space stations "anti-SDI" would have to bring down the American station ITN, and then started to Soviet ballistic missiles to strike at the enemy's territory.
The decision was at first glance quite simple: install the spacecraft has already created and tested a laser to test it in space. The choice fell on the laser installation of 1 MW, created one of the branches of the Institute of Atomic Energy. Kurchatov. This gasdynamic laser operating on carbon dioxide, was developed for installation on the aircraft IL-76. By 1983 he had already passed flight tests.
History of Aviation of the laser project, which is closely intertwined with the project space laser. Therefore, despite the fact that it lies beyond the scope of article about it is briefly told. Besides a description of the laser on the IL-76 gives an idea of laser testing in space.
Combat laser was tested on the Il-76MD, tail number of the USSR-86879 (otherwise it was called the Il-76LL with BC - the flying laboratory IL-76 laser-martial). The aircraft originally appeared. To power the laser and related equipment on the sides of the bow was equipped with two turbo AI-24W power 2.1 MW. Instead of staffing meteoradara on the nose was a huge bulbous payload fairing of a special adapter to which the bottom was attached an oblong radome smaller. Obviously, there was placed the antenna aiming system, which is spinning in all directions, catching the target.
Originally it was decided to placing a laser gun: in order not to spoil the aerodynamics of the aircraft another dome, a shell made retractable. The top of the fuselage between the wing and the keel was cut and replaced with huge wings, which consist of several segments. They retracted inside the fuselage, and then climbed up the gun turret. Behind the wing protruding outside the contour of the fuselage fairings with a profile similar to the profile of the wing. The cargo ramp is retained, but sash cargo hatch was removed and sewn into a metal hatch.
Finalization of the aircraft performed Tagonrogsky Aviation Research Complex (Beriev) them. Beriev Taganrog and Machine-Building Plant. Georgi Dimitrov.
The spacecraft, designed for the installation of its megawatt laser Il-76LL with BC, has received the designation 17F19D Skif-D. The letter "D" stands for "demonstration". August 27, 1984 Minister of General Machine Building Oleg D. Baklanov signed the order establishing N343/0180 17F19D Skif-D. KB Salyut was a head on its creation. The same order has been approved program to build the subsequent military spacecraft heavy equipment. Then the order of the IOM N168 from May 12, 1985 was established cooperative ventures that manufacture Skif-D. Finally, due to the fact that the missile defense theme was one of the priorities for Skif-D "came out January 27, 1986 Resolution of the CPSU Central Committee and USSR Council of Ministers N135-45. Such an honor is not honored every Soviet spacecraft. Under this Regulation the first launch to orbit "Skif-D" was to be held in the second quarter of 1987
"Skif-D" was primarily an experimental spacecraft, which have been practiced not only a laser, but some of the staff of these units, created in the framework of the Soviet SDI. It was a system of separation and orientation, traffic control system, electrical system, control system onboard complex.
The device was supposed to demonstrate 17F19D also possible in principle to create the spacecraft for the destruction of targets in space. To test the laser on the Skif-D planned to install a special target, simulating enemy missiles, warheads and satellites. However, the place is such a powerful laser unit class station DOS was impossible. The yield was found quickly. By 1983, he became visible "light at the end of the tunnel" with LV 11K25 "Energy". This vehicle could accelerate to speeds close to the first space, a payload of about 95 tons. It is in such a mass fit and the apparatus with air megawatt laser.
To accelerate the work on the "Scythian-D" KB "Salyut", it was decided the maximum benefit from the experience of previous and ongoing work at the moment. The composition of "Skif-D" includes elements of the transport ship of TCS and the orbiter Buran, the base unit and modules Mir, a Proton-K ". The unit had a length of 40 m, maximum diameter of 4.1 m and a mass of about 95 tons.
Structurally, the first "Skif-D" (tail number 18101) and consisted of two tightly interconnected modules: functional unit of service (FSB) and the target module (CM). FSB, developed based on Functional Cargo Block 11F77 11F72 TKS spacecraft, was used for dorazgona "Skif-D" after his separation from the launch vehicle: the unit added the necessary 60 m / s to exit the spacecraft into low orbit reference. The FSB also housed the main offices of the apparatus. For their energy supply in the FSC installed solar panels on the TCS.
Target module does not have prototypes. It consisted of three compartments: the compartment fluids (ORT), the energy compartment (MA), and cover special equipment (OCA). In the ORT had placed balloons with CO2 to power the laser. Energy compartment designed for installation of two large electric turbine generator (ETG), capacity 1.2 MW each. In the OCA were placed himself fighting a laser and a guidance system and retention (SNU). To facilitate the guidance for the laser, it was decided to make the head part of the OCA with respect to turning the rest of the apparatus. In the two side blocks of the OCA should have placed a target for improvement as the NUS, and laser combat.
However, the creators of "Skif-D" faced with a number of technical problems. Firstly, it is unclear if the issue in the orbit in a vacuum and weightlessness gasdynamic laser carbon dioxide. To deal with this problem at the plant named. Khrunichev was decided to create a special test stand. The stand occupies a vast territory and included four 20-meter vertical cylindrical tower evacuation, two 10-foot spherical tank for storing cryogenic components, extensive network of large diameter pipelines. Until now, these buildings in GKNPTs them. MV Khrunichev reminiscent of a bygone program Soviet SDI.
Many problems arise from the gas dynamics of a megawatt laser. When his work was very high consumption of working gas (CO2). Emanating from the laser gas stream caused a disturbing moment. To prevent it decided to develop a membrane system exhaust (SBV). Special pipeline, known for his appearance, "pants", came out of the laser energy into the battery compartment. There was equipped with a special exhaust pipe with the gas rudders to compensate for the disturbing moment. SBV has developed and produced NPO. SA Lavochkin.
Serious difficulties arose in establishing a system of laser energy, in particular - ETG. At their trials have been cases of explosions. Of the turbine generator also caused more disturbing moments of the unit.
Very difficult out traffic control system "Skif-D. After all, she had to make targeting a turning head and the entire apparatus of the target, while compensating for the perturbation of the generators, from the exhaust gases from the laser, and from themselves spreads very heavy, but very rapidly rotating the head of the OCA. Already in 1985 it was clear that it would take a test launch of a spacecraft just to work out all these support systems. Therefore it was decided the product SKIF-D1 to orbit without combat laser, and only "Skif-D2" fully equipped "spetskompleksom.
The project "Skif-D viscosity in all these problems and difficulties. Designers KB Salyut stumbled all the new and more intractable problem. Of course, eventually they could be overcome, but not at the pace that set the orders of the IOM and the Resolution of the CC and CM. At the end of 1985, regarding plans for 1986-87, the start of "Skif-D1" N18101 planned for June 1987, and "Scythian-D2" N18301 with a laser - in 1988
Following the Skif-D "in the KB Salyut planned to create a device 17F19S SKIF-Stiletto. It was also a heavy-duty machine designed to run on the launcher "Energia". December 15, 1986 order was issued by IOM on the N515 towards work in the years 1987-90, which appeared and "Scythian-Stiletto. On this machine going to install a special board set (BSC) 1K11 "Stiletto", developed by the NGO "Astrophysics".
"Stiletto" for 17F19S was a cosmic version of the world's "Stiletto" is already created and transmitted in 80-s test. It was "desyatistvolnaya" installation of infrared lasers operating at a wavelength of 1.06 nm. However, the ground "Stiletto" was not intended to damage or destroy enemy equipment. It just would not let the atmosphere and energy. Lasers designed for the scrapping of the sights and sensors, optical devices. On Earth, the use of "Stiletto" was ineffective. In space, due to the vacuum radius of its action is greatly increased. "Stiletto - a space" might well have been used as anti-drug. After the failure of optical sensors of the spacecraft enemy was tantamount to loss of the satellite. To increase the effectiveness of the "Stiletto" in space have developed a special telescope. In September 1986, an electric current layout "Stiletto" was made NPO "Astrofizika" and delivered to KB Salyut for testing. In August 1987 he was made a poster prototype telescope enclosure.
In what was planned to develop a whole family of different sets of heavy class. Was the idea of creating a unified and space complex 17F19U SKIF-U "on a platform heavy class launch vehicle under the" Energy ".
Practical implementation of the project.
In mid-1985, entered the final stage of preparation for the first time RN 11K25 Energiya 6SL. Originally scheduled for launch in 1986. Since the orbital ship Buran was not yet ready, the Ministry of General Machine Building, it was decided to launch rocket Energia, the layout of the SC 100-ton mass as a payload. In July 1985, the General Designer of KB Salyut DA Polukhin assembled management team of the company and reported that the Minister of General Machine Building OD Baklanov set a task to create a 100-ton model of the test of "Energy". Layout had to be ready by September 1986
After all the adjustments of project tasks there was a project vehicle "Skif-D Prototype" or 17F19DM Skif-DM. 19 August 1985 was released N295 corresponding order signed by Baklanov.
Flying prototype spacecraft 17F19DM Skif-DM consisted of two modules: the FSB and the CM, had a length of 36.9 meters, the maximum diameter of 4.1 meters and weight of 77 tons, together with the payload fairing.
By the time the development of "Skif-DM" in the NPO. Lavochkin was almost ready to exhaust system of the membrane. Therefore it was decided to establish SBV on 17F19DM for testing of gas dynamics and determine the disturbing moment when exiting her gas. However, if it was used for carbon dioxide, the foreign analysts would be too obvious a destination "Skif-DM. And because the test chose a mixture of xenon and krypton. This mixture is allowed to conduct geophysical interesting experiment - to study the interaction of artificial gas formations with ionospheric plasma of the Earth. Such a cover-up tests SBV was more or less convincing.
Really had to prepare by September 1986 and the systems used for aiming a laser "Skif-D" on the target and keep goals in sight. Putting in two stages. First used for coarse pointing airborne radar (radar), developed at the Moscow Institute of Precision Instruments. Then the fine guidance system implemented guidance and retention (NUS), used for this low-power laser. Created NUS Kazan PO Radiopribor - Leading Firm in the USSR on Recognition System. For processing data from radar and sleep and work together with these systems, the executive bodies of a traffic management system in the court "Skif-DM was used BTsVM Argon-16, similar to a digital computer at the base station Mir. To calibrate the sensors NUS and testing of this system it was decided to use the detachable target (such as balloons and corner reflectors). Similar targets were used during the military applications of experiments using a set of "Peony" by TAS-M "Kosmos-1686" in 1985 and designed for the complex "Lira" Spektr module of the station "Mir". On air targets were set barium plasma generator to simulate the engines of ballistic missiles and satellites.
Outside, the whole "Skif-DM had a special black finish. It was supposed to provide temperature control apparatus. Within the target module "Skif-DM stood too little fuel devices. Therefore it was necessary to make maximum use of solar heat for heating. Black coating allows it to do. Ten years later, the same coverage for the same purpose was used in the power module Zarya (FGB) 77KM N17501 for the International Space Station.
Once again it must be emphasized to dispel a lot of rumors, walking on the Polyus / Skif-DM: Combat megavatnogo laser on it did not stand, however, as elektroturbogeneratorov providing its job! And yet, there is no damage to the board of "Skif-DM targets fire back is not supposed to: they simply had nothing to hit!
Complex consisting of RN 11K25 Energia N6SL and SC 17F19DM Skif-DM "N18201, was designated 14A02. The main task for "Skif-DM was to check the principles of creating the SC 100-ton class missile output 11K25" Energy ". Experience in creating 17F19DM was useful for further work on heavier-than-class. The nation's first space science payload on the rocket was located asymmetrically, on the side. Created a number of new systems with new technologies and the development of new materials. Created and a new cooperative enterprises, which in future was to work on "Soviet SDI. In addition to KB Salyut and plant them. Khrunichev in the creation of "Skif-DM was attended by 45 enterprises of the Ministry of General Machine Building, and 25 enterprises from other industries.
However, in the course of the project "Skif-DM" initial test program was considerably reduced. The reasons for this are not technical. By this time, "the restructuring process has gone" full speed. Became General Secretary Mikhail Gorbachev deliberately used the thesis of peaceful space and has repeatedly and publicly defied the U.S. SDI program and plans for the militarization of space. And under these new trends in the upper echelon party rule formed group, opposed the demonstration flight opportunities prototype orbital laser stations.
On the basis of policy decisions the State Commission for the Launch of "Skif-DM" in February 1987, abolished in the flight program staff all the shooting of targets, testing radar and sleep, the release of krypton-xenon gas mixture through the SBV. Decided to only take "Skif-DM" in orbit, and a month later to bring it into the atmosphere over the desert regions of the Pacific Ocean. What would they think the United States on such a huge but silent machine - it's hard to say. Perhaps there would be no less suspicion than in the case of target shooting and release of gas clouds. Now the flight program, "Skif-DM included only the ten most" harmless "experiments: four military-applied geophysical and six.
And then a few days before the scheduled start May 11, 1987 Gorbachev flew to Baikonur. May 12, he became acquainted with examples of space technology, including military. As a result, Secretary General of the CPSU Central Committee was very pleased with what he saw and heard. Visiting, interviews with guests over twice provided. In conclusion, MS Gorbachev complained: "I'm sorry I did not know all of this to Reykjavik!
May 13 at the Palace of the officers held a meeting with Gorbachev's military and civilian employees at Baikonur. Gorbachev spoke at length, praised the workers and creators of the Baikonur space technology. With the start of "Energy," he urged, suggested at first to understand all the issues and only with full confidence to launch such a complicated and expensive system. And he said:
"... Our policy on peaceful outer space is not a sign of weakness. It is an expression of peaceful foreign policy of the Soviet Union. We invite the international community of cooperation in the peaceful exploration of outer space. We oppose the arms race, including in space ... Our interest here coincide with the interests of the American people and the interests of other nations. They do not coincide with the interests of those doing business on an arms race, wants to achieve military superiority through space ... Any rhetoric about the protection of nuclear weapons - is the greatest deception of the people. It is from this position and we appreciate the so-called Strategic Defense Initiative, which seek to implement the American administration ... We are categorically against the transfer of an arms race in outer space. We see our duty to show the grave danger SRI around the world ... "
After that, the fate of "Skif", and the entire program of development of military space systems became clear. And occurring when the launch vehicle failure that prevented his entry into orbit, has accelerated the closure of work on this program.
Really had to prepare by September 1986 and the systems used for aiming a laser "Skif-D" on the target and keep goals in sight. Putting in two stages. First used for coarse pointing airborne radar (radar), developed at the Moscow Institute of Precision Instruments. Then the fine guidance system implemented guidance and retention (NUS), used for this low-power laser. Created NUS Kazan PO Radiopribor - Leading Firm in the USSR on Recognition System. For processing data from radar and sleep and work together with these systems, the executive bodies of a traffic management system in the court "Skif-DM was used BTsVM Argon-16, similar to a digital computer at the base station Mir. To calibrate the sensors NUS and testing of this system it was decided to use the detachable target (such as balloons and corner reflectors). Similar targets were used during the military applications of experiments using a set of "Peony" by TAS-M "Kosmos-1686" in 1985 and designed for the complex "Lira" Spektr module of the station "Mir". On air targets were set barium plasma generator to simulate the engines of ballistic missiles and satellites.
Outside, the whole "Skif-DM had a special black finish. It was supposed to provide temperature control apparatus. Within the target module "Skif-DM stood too little fuel devices. Therefore it was necessary to make maximum use of solar heat for heating. Black coating allows it to do. Ten years later, the same coverage for the same purpose was used in the power module Zarya (FGB) 77KM N17501 for the International Space Station.
Once again it must be emphasized to dispel a lot of rumors, walking on the Polyus / Skif-DM: Combat megavatnogo laser on it did not stand, however, as elektroturbogeneratorov providing its job! And yet, there is no damage to the board of "Skif-DM targets fire back is not supposed to: they simply had nothing to hit!
Complex consisting of RN 11K25 Energia N6SL and SC 17F19DM Skif-DM "N18201, was designated 14A02. The main task for "Skif-DM was to check the principles of creating the SC 100-ton class missile output 11K25" Energy ". Experience in creating 17F19DM was useful for further work on heavier-than-class. The nation's first space science payload on the rocket was located asymmetrically, on the side. Created a number of new systems with new technologies and the development of new materials. Created and a new cooperative enterprises, which in future was to work on "Soviet SDI. In addition to KB Salyut and plant them. Khrunichev in the creation of "Skif-DM was attended by 45 enterprises of the Ministry of General Machine Building, and 25 enterprises from other industries.
However, in the course of the project "Skif-DM" initial test program was considerably reduced. The reasons for this are not technical. By this time, "the restructuring process has gone" full speed. Became General Secretary Mikhail Gorbachev deliberately used the thesis of peaceful space and has repeatedly and publicly defied the U.S. SDI program and plans for the militarization of space. And under these new trends in the upper echelon party rule formed group, opposed the demonstration flight opportunities prototype orbital laser stations.
On the basis of policy decisions the State Commission for the Launch of "Skif-DM" in February 1987, abolished in the flight program staff all the shooting of targets, testing radar and sleep, the release of krypton-xenon gas mixture through the SBV. Decided to only take "Skif-DM" in orbit, and a month later to bring it into the atmosphere over the desert regions of the Pacific Ocean. What would they think the United States on such a huge but silent machine - it's hard to say. Perhaps there would be no less suspicion than in the case of target shooting and release of gas clouds. Now the flight program, "Skif-DM included only the ten most" harmless "experiments: four military-applied geophysical and six.
And then a few days before the scheduled start May 11, 1987 Gorbachev flew to Baikonur. May 12, he became acquainted with examples of space technology, including military. As a result, Secretary General of the CPSU Central Committee was very pleased with what he saw and heard. Visiting, interviews with guests over twice provided. In conclusion, MS Gorbachev complained: "I'm sorry I did not know all of this to Reykjavik!
May 13 at the Palace of the officers held a meeting with Gorbachev's military and civilian employees at Baikonur. Gorbachev spoke at length, praised the workers and creators of the Baikonur space technology. With the start of "Energy," he urged, suggested at first to understand all the issues and only with full confidence to launch such a complicated and expensive system. And he said:
"... Our policy on peaceful outer space is not a sign of weakness. It is an expression of peaceful foreign policy of the Soviet Union. We invite the international community of cooperation in the peaceful exploration of outer space. We oppose the arms race, including in space ... Our interest here coincide with the interests of the American people and the interests of other nations. They do not coincide with the interests of those doing business on an arms race, wants to achieve military superiority through space ... Any rhetoric about the protection of nuclear weapons - is the greatest deception of the people. It is from this position and we appreciate the so-called Strategic Defense Initiative, which seek to implement the American administration ... We are categorically against the transfer of an arms race in outer space. We see our duty to show the grave danger SRI around the world ... "
After that, the fate of "Skif", and the entire program of development of military space systems became clear. And occurring when the launch vehicle failure that prevented his entry into orbit, has accelerated the closure of work on this program.
Some time in the KB Salyut has continued work on the apparatus 17F19D SKIF-D1 "N18101, which start in late 1985 was postponed to June 1987, however, after losing interest in the program in the country's leadership of the program were to allocate less , dates are starting move away. Only the beginning of 1987 for "Skif-D1 on ZiHe were fabricated sections of AFU, EPS, PSN, bottom fairing, housing PGO, TAC and the side blocks of the target module. Shells other staff sections of the target module was planned to produce IV quarter 1987
Having problems with the creation of the Kazan NGO Radiopribor guidance system and retention and photo-optical tracking system. In this regard, Deputy Minister of General Machine Building VH Doguzhiev more April 20, 1987 signed a decision to postpone delivery of poster sets NUS and SSFO in 1989, a full-set - in 1990, taking into account these terms SKIF-D1 could be ready until the end of 1991 Issues its systems could not solve. According to the leading designer of this theme P. Kornilov, the experts who worked on "Scythians" by the time came to this unit from a purely eastern philosophy Hoja Nasrudin: by the time when it fell due readiness "Skif-D" or emir dies, or - the ass. "
So, basically what happened. In September 1987, work on 17F19D to KB Salyut and ZiHe were suspended, but never resumed. "New Thinking" in international relations and at the same time the crisis began in the Soviet economy led to a complete stop financing the theme of heavy combat space stations in 1989 Decline of the Cold War and led to the decline of the Soviet "Star Wars".
And in May 1993 were halted all work on the launcher "Energia" and OK "Buran". It was the last point in the history of the space of the sword of the Empire