Istrebitel Sputnik

Istrebitel Sputnik, or IS (Russian: Истребитель Спутников) meaning Satellite Fighter, after the meaning "Fighter aircraft" for the Russian word istrebitel), was a Soviet anti-satellite weapons programme which led to the deployment of the IS-A or I2P system during the 1970s and 1980s.[1] IS satellites were originally intended to launch on UR-200 rockets, but following the cancellation of the UR-200, the Polyot, Tsyklon-2A and Tsyklon-2 rockets were used instead.[2]

The first test flights of the IS spacecraft used the I1P configuration, and served to demonstrate the propulsion and control systems of the spacecraft.[3] Both were launched by Polyot rockets, and were designated Polyot 1 and Polyot 2. They were launched on 1 November 1963 and 12 April 1964 respectively.[2] Following this, IS-A or I2P interceptors and IS-P or I2M targets were launched. Only four IS-P targets were launched before the type was replaced by the cheaper DS-P1-M satellite,[4] launched as part of the Dnepropetrovsk Sputnik programme. Later IS-A tests intercepted DS-P1-M satellites, or the Lira satellites that succeeded them.[5]