RORSAT

RORSAT is an acronym that can refer to two distinct Soviet/Russian space programs. The first, Radar Ocean Reconnaissance Satellite, was a series of radar imaging satellites launched by the Soviet Union from 1971 to 1988. These satellites were designed to detect and track NATO naval vessels, particularly aircraft carriers, using active radar. They operated in conjunction with other Soviet reconnaissance satellites and ground stations. The RORSAT program was part of the broader Soviet effort to maintain situational awareness of naval activities during the Cold War.

The second, more recent usage of RORSAT refers to a different type of satellite: Radar Observation Satellite. These are modern Russian radar reconnaissance satellites designed for all-weather, day-and-night surveillance. Unlike the earlier RORSATs which focused on naval targets, modern RORSAT satellites likely have broader reconnaissance capabilities, able to image various types of terrain and infrastructure. The specific details and operational status of current RORSAT satellites are generally classified. Both generations of RORSAT played a significant role in the intelligence gathering capabilities of the Soviet Union and later Russia.