# Tselina-OM

> model of Soviet signals intelligence satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q14701649](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q14701649)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/tselina-om

## Summary
Tselina-OM is a model of Soviet signals intelligence (SIGINT) satellite, part of the Tselina family of military reconnaissance satellites. Designed for electronic intelligence gathering, it was developed by the Soviet Union and operated as part of a broader network of SIGINT satellites during the Cold War era.

## Key Facts
- **Type**: Signals intelligence (SIGINT) satellite model.
- **Parent Program**: Part of the Tselina family of Soviet/Russian SIGINT satellites.
- **First Flight**: Launched on October 30, 1968.
- **Manufacturer**: Built by Pivdenne Design Office, with payload contributions from TsNIRTI (Soviet/Russian research institute).
- **Country of Origin**: Developed and operated by the Soviet Union.
- **Based On**: Derived from the earlier Tselina-O model.
- **Aliases**: Also known as Zelina-OM.
- **Class**: Subclass of signals intelligence satellites, a type of military satellite focused on intelligence gathering.

## FAQs
### Q: What was the purpose of Tselina-OM?
A: Tselina-OM was a signals intelligence satellite designed to intercept and monitor electronic communications, radar signals, and other electromagnetic emissions for military reconnaissance purposes.

### Q: When was Tselina-OM first launched?
A: The first flight of Tselina-OM occurred on October 30, 1968.

### Q: Who manufactured Tselina-OM?
A: The satellite was manufactured by the Pivdenne Design Office, with the payload developed by TsNIRTI, a Soviet/Russian research institute.

### Q: How does Tselina-OM relate to other Tselina satellites?
A: Tselina-OM is part of the Tselina family of SIGINT satellites and is based on the earlier Tselina-O model.

### Q: What is the significance of the Tselina program?
A: The Tselina program was a critical component of Soviet military intelligence, providing electronic surveillance capabilities during the Cold War.

## Why It Matters
Tselina-OM played a vital role in the Soviet Union's military intelligence infrastructure during the Cold War. As part of the Tselina family, these satellites were essential for monitoring adversarial communications, radar systems, and other electronic signals, providing strategic advantages in intelligence gathering. The development and deployment of such SIGINT satellites underscored the technological and military competition between the Soviet Union and Western powers, particularly the United States. By enabling the interception of electronic emissions, Tselina-OM contributed to the Soviet Union's ability to track military movements, assess threats, and gather critical intelligence. Its legacy lies in the broader context of space-based reconnaissance, which remains a cornerstone of modern military and intelligence operations.

## Notable For
- **Cold War Intelligence**: A key tool in Soviet electronic intelligence operations during the Cold War.
- **Technological Advancement**: Represented advancements in Soviet satellite technology for SIGINT purposes.
- **Payload Collaboration**: Featured payloads developed by TsNIRTI, highlighting inter-institutional collaboration in Soviet space programs.
- **Derivative Design**: Built upon the earlier Tselina-O model, demonstrating evolutionary improvements in satellite design.
- **Military Significance**: Part of a broader network of satellites that enhanced Soviet strategic reconnaissance capabilities.

## Body
### Overview
Tselina-OM is a model of signals intelligence (SIGINT) satellite developed by the Soviet Union. It belongs to the Tselina family of reconnaissance satellites, which were designed to intercept and analyze electronic signals for military intelligence purposes.

### Development and Manufacture
- **Manufacturer**: The primary manufacturer of Tselina-OM was the Pivdenne Design Office, a major Soviet aerospace engineering bureau.
- **Payload Developer**: The payload for Tselina-OM was developed by TsNIRTI (Central Scientific Research Institute for Radio Engineering), a Soviet/Russian research institute founded in 1943.
- **First Launch**: The first Tselina-OM satellite was launched on October 30, 1968.

### Technical Specifications and Role
- **Class**: Tselina-OM is classified as a signals intelligence satellite, a subtype of military satellites focused on gathering electronic intelligence.
- **Based On**: The design of Tselina-OM is derived from the earlier Tselina-O model, indicating an evolutionary improvement in the satellite's capabilities.
- **Aliases**: The satellite is also referred to as Zelina-OM.

### Operational Context
Tselina-OM operated as part of a larger network of Soviet SIGINT satellites, which included other models like Tselina-O. These satellites were crucial for monitoring adversarial electronic communications, radar systems, and other electromagnetic emissions. The data collected by Tselina-OM and similar satellites provided the Soviet military with critical intelligence on potential threats and adversarial activities.

### Related Satellites
Tselina-OM is associated with numerous Cosmos-series satellites, which were often used as cover names for military reconnaissance missions. Examples include:
- Cosmos 269, Cosmos 315, Cosmos 330, Cosmos 395, Cosmos 425, Cosmos 437, Cosmos 436, Cosmos 460, Cosmos 479, Cosmos 500, Cosmos 536, Cosmos 544, Cosmos 582, Cosmos 610, Cosmos 631, Cosmos 698, Cosmos 812, Cosmos 960, Cosmos 1215, Cosmos 250, Cosmos 749, Cosmos 787, Cosmos 870, Cosmos 387, Cosmos 549, Cosmos 655, Cosmos 661, Cosmos 1114, and Cosmos 1345.

## Schema Markup
```json
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Thing",
  "name": "Tselina-OM",
  "description": "Model of Soviet signals intelligence satellite, part of the Tselina family.",
  "sameAs": ["https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q6272367"],
  "additionalType": "SignalsIntelligenceSatellite"
}

## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/tselina-o.htm)
2. Jonathan's Space Report