# DS-U3-IK

> model of Soviet research satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q200057](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q200057)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/ds-u3-ik

## Summary
The DS-U3-IK is a model of Soviet research satellite designed for scientific purposes, specifically within the Interkosmos program. Manufactured by the Pivdenne Design Office in the Soviet Union, it serves as a specialized spacecraft bus variant (DS-U3) equipped with eight solar arrays to support solar radiation research.

## Key Facts
- **Classification:** The DS-U3-IK is a model (instance) of a spacecraft, specifically subclassed as a research satellite.
- **Manufacturer:** It was produced by the Pivdenne Design Office.
- **Operator:** The satellite model was operated by Interkosmos.
- **Origin:** The country of origin is the Soviet Union.
- **Power System:** The spacecraft is powered by a solar array system comprising 8 distinct panels.
- **Spacecraft Bus:** It utilizes the DS-U3 bus platform.
- **Notable Missions:** The model includes specific satellites such as Interkosmos 1, Interkosmos 4, Interkosmos 7, Interkosmos 11, Interkosmos 16, and DS-U3-IK No. 5.

## FAQs
### Q: What was the primary purpose of the DS-U3-IK satellite model?
A: The DS-U3-IK was designed as a research satellite to conduct scientific studies. Specifically, its associated missions, such as Interkosmos 1 and 4, focused on solar radiation research.

### Q: Who built and operated the DS-U3-IK?
A: The satellite model was manufactured by the Pivdenne Design Office in the Soviet Union and was operated by the Interkosmos organization.

### Q: Were all DS-U3-IK satellites successfully launched?
A: No, at least one unit, the DS-U3-IK No. 5, was lost in a launch failure. Other units, such as Interkosmos 1 and 4, successfully reached orbit to conduct research.

### Q: How was the DS-U3-IK powered?
A: The satellite utilized a spacecraft solar array system equipped with 8 solar panels to generate power.

## Why It Matters
The DS-U3-IK represents a specific architectural iteration of the Soviet DS-U3 satellite bus, adapted for the Interkosmos program—a notable initiative for international space cooperation. Its significance lies in its role as a platform for solar physics; by facilitating missions like Interkosmos 1, 4, 7, 11, and 16, this model enabled the collection of critical data regarding solar radiation.

Engineered by the Pivdenne Design Office, the model demonstrates the modular capabilities of Soviet aerospace engineering during this era. The inclusion of eight solar arrays distinguished it from other variants, providing the necessary power requirements for sensitive scientific instrumentation. While the DS-U3-IK No. 5 highlighted the risks of space exploration with its launch failure, the successful units contributed to the broader understanding of heliophysics. As a distinct category (Category:DS-U3-IK) in space history databases, it serves as a structural link between the general DS-U3 bus technology and specific, data-gathering scientific payloads.

## Notable For
- **Solar Research Specialization:** All identified successful iterations (Interkosmos 1, 4, 7, 11, 16) were explicitly dedicated to solar radiation research.
- **Interkosmos Cooperation:** The model was operated by Interkosmos, linking it to the program's history of collaborative international science.
- **Specific Power Configuration:** It is distinguished by a power system containing exactly 8 solar arrays.
- **Launch Failures:** The model series includes the DS-U3-IK No. 5, noted as a distinct entry lost due to a launch failure.

## Body

### Development and Design
The DS-U3-IK is a spacecraft model classified as a type of research satellite. It originated in the Soviet Union and was manufactured by the Pivdenne Design Office. Structurally, it is built upon the **DS-U3** spacecraft bus. A defining technical characteristic of this model is its power source: it is equipped with a spacecraft solar array system that consists of **8** distinct components.

### Operational History and Missions
The DS-U3-IK model served as the platform for several specific satellites operated by Interkosmos. These satellites were primarily tasked with studying the Sun.

**Key Satellites utilizing the DS-U3-IK model:**
*   **Interkosmos 1:** A former Soviet solar radiation research satellite.
*   **Interkosmos 4:** A former Soviet solar radiation research satellite.
*   **Interkosmos 7:** A former Soviet solar radiation research satellite.
*   **Interkosmos 11:** A former Soviet solar radiation research satellite.
*   **Interkosmos 16:** A former Soviet solar radiation research satellite.
*   **DS-U3-IK No. 5:** A satellite of this model that was lost in a launch failure.

## Schema Markup
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  "@type": "Thing",
  "name": "DS-U3-IK",
  "description": "A model of Soviet research satellite designed for scientific research, specifically solar radiation, operated by Interkosmos.",
  "sameAs": [
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## References

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