# DS-U3-IK No. 5

> former Soviet solar research satellite, lost in a launch failure

**Wikidata**: [Q18465723](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q18465723)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/ds-u3-ik-no-5

## Summary
DS-U3-IK No. 5 was a Soviet solar research satellite launched on June 3, 1975, as part of the Interkosmos program. It was lost during a launch failure, marking the end of its mission. The satellite was designed to study solar phenomena and was part of the Dnepropetrovsk Sputnik family of satellites.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: June 3, 1975, at 09:00 UTC from Kapustin Yar.
- **Launch Vehicle**: Kosmos-3M rocket (serial number 53721-257).
- **Operator**: Interkosmos, a Soviet space program for international collaboration.
- **Manufacturer**: Pivdenne Design Office, a Soviet aerospace engineering firm.
- **Spacecraft Bus**: DS-U3, a model of Soviet research satellite.
- **Power Source**: Spacecraft solar array with 8 panels.
- **Country of Origin**: Soviet Union.
- **Significant Event**: Launch failure, resulting in the loss of the satellite.
- **Part of**: Dnepropetrovsk Sputnik family of satellites.

## FAQs
### Q: What was the purpose of DS-U3-IK No. 5?
A: DS-U3-IK No. 5 was a solar research satellite designed to study solar phenomena as part of the Interkosmos program, which facilitated international collaboration in space exploration.

### Q: Why was DS-U3-IK No. 5 lost?
A: The satellite was lost during a launch failure on June 3, 1975, which prevented it from fulfilling its research objectives.

### Q: Who operated DS-U3-IK No. 5?
A: The satellite was operated by Interkosmos, a Soviet space program that collaborated with international partners to advance space research.

### Q: What was the launch vehicle for DS-U3-IK No. 5?
A: The satellite was launched using a Kosmos-3M rocket, which is a type of Russian rocket designed for launching satellites into orbit.

### Q: What was the significance of the Dnepropetrovsk Sputnik family?
A: The Dnepropetrovsk Sputnik family was a series of Soviet satellites, including DS-U3-IK No. 5, that contributed to solar research and international space collaboration.

## Why It Matters
DS-U3-IK No. 5 was part of the Soviet Union's efforts to advance solar research through the Interkosmos program, which aimed to collaborate with international partners. The satellite was designed to study solar phenomena, contributing to scientific understanding of the sun. However, its launch failure in 1975 marked a setback in the program's objectives. Despite its loss, DS-U3-IK No. 5 remains a notable example of Soviet space technology and international cooperation in space exploration. Its failure highlighted the challenges of space missions and the importance of reliable launch systems.

## Notable For
- **First in Class**: One of the first satellites in the DS-U3-IK series, designed specifically for solar research.
- **International Collaboration**: Operated under the Interkosmos program, which facilitated partnerships between the Soviet Union and other countries.
- **Solar Research**: Equipped with a spacecraft solar array to study solar phenomena, contributing to scientific knowledge.
- **Launch Failure**: A notable example of a Soviet satellite lost due to a launch failure, underscoring the risks of space missions.
- **Dnepropetrovsk Legacy**: Part of the Dnepropetrovsk Sputnik family, which included other significant Soviet satellites.

## Body
### Overview
DS-U3-IK No. 5 was a Soviet solar research satellite launched on June 3, 1975, as part of the Interkosmos program. The satellite was designed to study solar phenomena and was equipped with a spacecraft solar array consisting of 8 panels. It was manufactured by the Pivdenne Design Office and launched using a Kosmos-3M rocket from Kapustin Yar.

### Launch and Failure
The launch of DS-U3-IK No. 5 took place at 09:00 UTC on June 3, 1975. However, the mission ended in failure, resulting in the loss of the satellite. This failure marked a setback for the Interkosmos program, which aimed to advance solar research through international collaboration.

### Significance
Despite its loss, DS-U3-IK No. 5 remains a notable example of Soviet space technology and international cooperation in space exploration. It was part of the Dnepropetrovsk Sputnik family, a series of satellites that contributed to scientific research and technological advancements. The satellite's failure highlighted the challenges of space missions and the importance of reliable launch systems.

### Legacy
DS-U3-IK No. 5's legacy lies in its role as a pioneer in solar research and international collaboration. Although it did not achieve its objectives, it remains a significant part of the Soviet space program's history. The satellite's design and mission objectives continue to be studied as part of the broader context of space exploration and international cooperation.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report
2. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/interkosmos-1.htm)