# DS-U2-GK

> model of Soviet magnetospheric research satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q49468](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q49468)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/ds-u2-gk

## Summary  
DS-U2-GK is a model of Soviet magnetospheric research satellite designed for scientific studies of Earth's upper atmosphere and magnetic field. It belongs to the Dnepropetrovsk Sputnik family of satellites and was manufactured by the Pivdenne Design Office. The satellite had a short operational lifespan of 40 days and was powered by solar arrays.

## Key Facts  
- **Type**: Magnetospheric research satellite  
- **Part of**: Dnepropetrovsk Sputnik family  
- **Manufacturer**: Pivdenne Design Office  
- **Dimensions**: 2.4 meters (length) × 2.3 meters (width)  
- **Power source**: 4 solar arrays  
- **Design life**: 40 days  
- **Country of origin**: Soviet Union  
- **Related satellites**: Kosmos 261, Kosmos 348  

## FAQs  
### Q: What was the purpose of DS-U2-GK?  
A: DS-U2-GK was designed to study Earth's magnetosphere and upper atmosphere, contributing to scientific understanding of space weather and magnetic field dynamics.  

### Q: How long was DS-U2-GK operational?  
A: The satellite had a design life of 40 days, after which it was no longer functional.  

### Q: Who built DS-U2-GK?  
A: It was manufactured by the Pivdenne Design Office, a Soviet aerospace engineering firm.  

## Why It Matters  
DS-U2-GK played a role in advancing Soviet space research by providing data on Earth's magnetosphere, which is critical for understanding space weather and its effects on communication and navigation systems. As part of the Dnepropetrovsk Sputnik family, it contributed to a broader program of scientific satellites that expanded knowledge of near-Earth space. Although its operational life was short, the data collected helped lay groundwork for later missions and technologies.  

## Notable For  
- **Specialization**: Focused on magnetospheric research, distinguishing it from other satellites in the Dnepropetrovsk Sputnik family.  
- **Compact design**: Relatively small dimensions (2.4m × 2.3m) for a research satellite.  
- **Solar-powered**: Used 4 solar arrays for energy, a common but efficient choice for short-duration missions.  

## Body  
### Design and Specifications  
- **Dimensions**: 2.4 meters in length and 2.3 meters in width.  
- **Power system**: Equipped with 4 solar arrays to generate electricity.  
- **Operational lifespan**: Designed to function for 40 days.  

### Mission and Research Focus  
- Studied Earth's magnetosphere and upper atmosphere.  
- Contributed to understanding space weather phenomena.  

### Manufacturer and Heritage  
- Built by Pivdenne Design Office, a key Soviet aerospace manufacturer.  
- Part of the Dnepropetrovsk Sputnik family, a series of scientific satellites.  

### Related Satellites  
- Kosmos 261 and Kosmos 348 were other Soviet satellites with similar scientific objectives.

## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/ds-u2-gk.htm)