Launch Success
Liftoff Time (GMT)
06:29:00
Thursday March 9, 1961
First launch of the imporoved Vostok-3KA spacecraft, same design that would carry the first humans to space.
This launch carried a new version of the Vostok spacecraft, Vostok-3KA. It carried a single dog named Chernushka and a mannequin named Ivan Ivanovich in an ejector seat, just like a real human would later. It completed only one orbit, as planned, and after re-entry it ejected the mannequin, which parachuted down on its own. The dog and the capsule were also recovered alive after landing by their own parachute. The mission was a complete success.
Low Earth Orbit
1 Payload
4,700 kilograms
15th
Mission
1st
Mission of 1961
23rd
Mission
3rd
Mission of 1961
9th
Orbital launch attempt