The DS-MO series of satellites consisted of two small Yuzhnoye designed satellites to evaluate aerodynamic systems for stabilization and orientation of spacecraft.
The satellites were the first spacecraft to use aerodynamic attitude control and were developed based on the Yuzhnoye DS satellite designs. They featured an extendable aerodynamic skirt stabilizer, earning therefore the nick name "Space Arrow".
Additionally, the satellites carried a set of scientific instruments for atmospheric sciences:
- measuring the radiation balance of the Earth in visible light, ultraviolet and infrared,
- observing the cloud cover,
- measuring the cloud height,
- measuring the temperature of the earth's surface
- mapping masses of ozone and water vapor in the atmosphere.
The instrument set consisted of:
- the Topaz-25-M video camera
- the Aktin-1 instrument suite, consisting of:
- the photometers TF-3A and 3B to study the radiation emitted by the Earth,
- the spectrum analyzer SA-2 to study the radiation emitted by the Earth,
- the RB-21 and RB-2P instruments to measure the solar radiation reflected by the earth as well as terrestrial emissions
- the RIM-901 pressure gauge to measure the flow of molecules in orbit (only Kosmos-320).
The first spacecraft, Kosmos 149, was launched on 21 March 1967 on a Kosmos-2 booster from Kapustin Yar. It remained operational in orbit until 7 April 1967.
The second satellite was never launched for reasons not known.
A third satellite, Kosmos 320 was launched on 16 January 1970 on the same launch vehicle type. It remained operational until reentry on 10 February 1970.
