The satellite was designed to identify missile launches using optical telescopes and infrared sensors.

[3] A Molniya-M carrier rocket with a 2BL upper stage was used to perform the launch, which took place at 20:52 UTC on 14 June 1980.

[5] The United States Space Command assigned it the Satellite Catalog Number 11844.

[5] Its June 1980 launch was noted for triggering reports of a dolphin shaped UFO.

[6] The launch created so many UFO reports, they revealed the satellite's approximate orbital inclination (about 62.5 degrees).