Korabl-Sputnik 4

Launch Success

Liftoff Time (GMT)

06:29:00

Thursday March 9, 1961

Mission Details

Launch Notes

First launch of the imporoved Vostok-3KA spacecraft, same design that would carry the first humans to space.

Korabl-Sputnik 4

Wiki

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

Rocket

Retired
Vostok

Active 1958 to 1964

OKB-1 logo

Manufacturer

OKB-1

Rocket

Height: 38.36m

Payload to Orbit

LEO: 4,730 kg

GTO: 0 kg

Liftoff Thrust

4,570 Kilonewtons

Fairing

Diameter: 2.58m

Height: 6.74m

Stages

3

Strap-ons

4

Launch Site

Site 1/5

Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan

Fastest Turnaround

23 hr 32 min

Stats

Vostok


15th

Mission

1st

Mission of 1961

OKB-1


23rd

Mission

3rd

Mission of 1961

1961


9th

Orbital launch attempt