Cosmos 14 was the first Russian experimental weather satellite. The satellite was originally considered to have been orbited for the purpose of conducting various geophysical studies. However, nearly 4.5 years after its launch, it was specifically identified as a test platform for electrotechnical systems later used to insure the orientation and stabilization of weather satellites. In addition, tests were made of power supplies using solar cell batteries. The satellite was in the form of a cylinder, with two hemispherical ends, and was 1.8 m long and 1.2 m in diameter. The control stabilization system consisted of flywheels driven by electric motors. The kinetic energy of the flywheels was dampened by using electromagnets that produced torque by interacting with the earth's magnetic field. This system provided three-axis stabilization and oriented the satellite on the center of the earth. Equipment on board monitored the operation of automatic devices that controlled the solar and chemical batteries. The satellite communicated via a 'Mayak' radio transmitter operating at a frequency of 20 MHz. The results of these tests were incorporated in Cosmos 122 and subsequent launches in the Cosmos 'Meteor' system. A similar test flight was made nearly 8 months later with Cosmos 23. These two flights comprised the first stage in the development of Russian weather satellites. Cosmos 14 re-entered the atmosphere on August 29, 1963, after 137 days in orbit.