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Polyus SpacecraftOn May 15, 1987, an Energia rocket flew for the first time. The payload was a prototype orbital weapons platform UKSS (also known as 'Polyus'), the final version of which would be armed with nuclear space mines and defensive cannon. According to reports, the attempt to place it into orbit failed. The Polyus weapons platform was designed to defend itself against Anti-satellite weapons with recoilless cannon. It had an FGB (the Russian acronym for Functional Cargo Block, similar to the Zarya FGB that was the first component of the ISS) space resupply tug attached to control its orbit. It was designed so a Buran shuttle could dock and maintain it. It was also equipped with a sensor blinding laser to confuse approaching weapons and could launch test targets to validate the fire control system. For technical reasons, the payload was launched upside down. It was designed to separate from the Energia, rotate 180 degrees, then complete its boost to orbit. The booster functioned perfectly, but after disconnecting, the Polyus spun a full 360 degrees (instead of the planned 180 degrees). When the rocket fired, it slowed and fell into the South-Pacific ocean. External links
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