Orlets-1 was developed after the Yantar-2K satellite was deemed incapable of providing strategic warning of attack. It drew on features of an existing draft project called Yantar-6K. Equipped with a wide-spectrum panoramic camera and carrying eight film return capsules, Orlets-1 had a design life of 60 days.[1] After completing its mission, the satellite was detonated in its orbit.[2]
The Soyuz-U[2] or Soyuz-U2[1][2] launch vehicle was used to deploy Orlets-1. An improved version, Orlets-2, was also created.[1]
