Kosmos 3 (rocket)

The Kosmos-3 (GRAU Index: 11K65, also known as Cosmos-3) was a Soviet carrier rocket (Kosmos (rocket family)), derived from the R-14 missile, which was used to orbit satellites between 1966 and 1968. It was quickly replaced by the modernised Kosmos-3M. Six were flown, four as orbital carrier rockets, and two on sub-orbital flights. All launches occurred from Site 41/15 at the Baikonur Cosmodrome.

Kosmos-3
FunctionCarrier rocket
ManufacturerKrasnoryarsk
Country of originSoviet Union
Size
Height26.3 metres (86 ft)
Diameter2.4 metres (7.9 ft)
Mass107,500 kilograms (237,000 lb)
Stages2
Capacity
Payload to LEO
Mass1,400 kilograms (3,100 lb)
Launch history
StatusRetired
Launch sitesSite 41/15, Baikonur
Total launches4 (+2 suborbital)
Success(es)2 (+2 suborbital)
Failure(s)2
First flight16 November 1966
Last flight27 August 1968
First stage – R-14
Powered by1 RD-216
Maximum thrust1,740 kilonewtons (390,000 lbf)
Specific impulse292 sec
Burn time130 seconds
PropellantHNO3/UDMH
Second stage – S3
Powered by1 11D49
Maximum thrust156 kilonewtons (35,000 lbf)
Specific impulse303 sec
Burn time375 seconds
PropellantHNO3/UDMH

The Kosmos-3 made its maiden flight on 16 November 1966, carrying a Strela-2 satellite. Strela-2 satellites were flown on four flights, two of which failed. Two further, sub-orbital launches were conducted with VKZ payloads, both of which were successful.

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