Parus (satellite)
Introduction '''Parus''' ( meaning ''Sail''), also '''Tsyklon-B''' or '''Tsiklon-B''' ( meaning ''Cyclone-B'') and '''Tsikada-M''' ( meaning ''Cicada-M''), GRAU index 11F627, is a Russian, previously Soviet satellite constellation used for communication and navigation. As of 2010, 99 Parus satellites have been launched, starting with Kosmos 700 in 1974.All launches have been conducted using Kosmos-3M carrier rockets, flying from sites 132 and 133 at the Plesetsk Cosmodrome.The prime function of Parus satellites is to provide location information for Tsiklon-B navigation system.Parus satellites are produced by JSC Information Satellite Systems (formerly NPO PM), based on the KAUR-1 satellite bus. They have a mass of around , and a design life of 18–24 months. The satellites operate in low Earth orbits, typically with a perigee of about , an apogee of  and 82.9° inclination. They are operated by the Russian Aerospace Defence Forces, and are used primarily for navigation, Store and forward communication, and to relay data from US-P satellites. Some of the navigation functions are believed to have been superseded by the GLONASS system.
See also *Strela (satellite)
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