NEXT SPACEFLIGHT

Status

Failure

Sfera #2

Launch Time
Tue Jun 04, 1968 18:45 UTC

The launch was a failure for an unknown reason.

Rocket

Cosmos-3M
Image Credit: OKB-586
RVSN USSR
Status: Retired
Liftoff Thrust: 1,486 kN
Payload to LEO: 1,500 kg
Payload to GTO: 0 kg
Stages: 2
Strap-ons: 0
Rocket Height: 32.42 m
Fairing Diameter: 2.44 m
Fairing Height: 5.72 m

Mission Details

Sfera #2

Sfera #2 is a satellite of the Sfera constellation. Sfera satellites were used to determine the shape of the Earth and the geographical variations of its gravitational field. They did not have the shape of a sphere, but a cylinder 3 meters long. These satellites were launched until 1978, and are no longer in operation today.

Payloads: 1
Total Mass: 750.0 kg
Low Earth Orbit

Location

Site 132/2, Plesetsk Cosmodrome, Russia

Stats

1968

51st orbital launch attempt

Cosmos-3

21st mission
5th mission of 1968
4th failed mission