# Intercosmos 6

> Soviet research satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q1097421](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1097421)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/intercosmos-6

## Summary
Intercosmos 6 was a Soviet research satellite launched on April 7, 1972, as part of the Intercosmos program, which facilitated international scientific collaboration. It was developed by the Progress State Research and Production Rocket Space Center and carried instruments for experiments in space science, particularly in collaboration with Eastern Bloc countries.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: April 7, 1972
- **Mass**: 5,886 kilograms
- **Apoapsis**: 256 kilometers
- **Periapsis**: 203 kilometers
- **Orbital Period**: 89 minutes
- **Orbital Inclination**: 51.8 degrees
- **Launch Vehicle**: Voskhod
- **Launch Site**: Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 31
- **Country of Origin**: Soviet Union
- **Participants**: Poland, Czechoslovakia, Mongolia, Hungary, Romania
- **Spacecraft Bus**: Energia satellite bus
- **Decay Date**: April 11, 1972

## FAQs
### Q: What was the purpose of Intercosmos 6?
A: Intercosmos 6 was a Soviet research satellite designed for scientific experiments, particularly in collaboration with Eastern Bloc countries, including Poland, Czechoslovakia, Mongolia, Hungary, and Romania.

### Q: Who developed Intercosmos 6?
A: Intercosmos 6 was developed by the Progress State Research and Production Rocket Space Center, a key Soviet aerospace organization.

### Q: What was the orbital lifespan of Intercosmos 6?
A: Intercosmos 6 remained in orbit until April 11, 1972, after which it decayed.

### Q: Which countries participated in the experiments aboard Intercosmos 6?
A: The satellite carried instruments for experiments involving Poland, Czechoslovakia, Mongolia, Hungary, and Romania.

### Q: What type of launch vehicle was used for Intercosmos 6?
A: The satellite was launched using the Voskhod rocket, a Soviet launch vehicle.

## Why It Matters
Intercosmos 6 played a significant role in the Soviet Union's Intercosmos program, which aimed to promote international scientific collaboration, particularly with Eastern Bloc nations. The satellite carried instruments for experiments in space science, contributing to advancements in astrophysics and other related fields. Its launch and operation demonstrated the Soviet Union's commitment to fostering international cooperation in space research. The satellite's relatively short orbital lifespan, ending on April 11, 1972, marked the conclusion of its mission, but its legacy lives on in the broader context of Soviet space exploration and international scientific partnerships.

## Notable For
- **International Collaboration**: Intercosmos 6 was a key example of the Soviet Union's efforts to collaborate with Eastern Bloc countries in space research.
- **Scientific Payload**: The satellite carried instruments for experiments in space science, contributing to advancements in astrophysics and related fields.
- **Short Orbital Lifespan**: Despite its scientific contributions, Intercosmos 6 had a relatively brief orbital lifespan, decaying on April 11, 1972.
- **Voskhod Launch Vehicle**: The satellite was launched using the Voskhod rocket, a Soviet launch vehicle known for its reliability and historical significance.
- **Energia Satellite Bus**: Intercosmos 6 utilized the Energia satellite bus, a platform designed for scientific and research missions.

## Body
### Overview
Intercosmos 6 was a Soviet research satellite launched on April 7, 1972, as part of the Intercosmos program. The satellite was developed by the Progress State Research and Production Rocket Space Center and carried instruments for experiments in space science, particularly in collaboration with Eastern Bloc countries.

### Technical Specifications
- **Mass**: The satellite had a mass of 5,886 kilograms.
- **Orbit**: Intercosmos 6 had an apoapsis of 256 kilometers and a periapsis of 203 kilometers, with an orbital period of 89 minutes and an inclination of 51.8 degrees.
- **Launch Vehicle**: The satellite was launched using the Voskhod rocket, a Soviet launch vehicle known for its reliability and historical significance.
- **Spacecraft Bus**: Intercosmos 6 utilized the Energia satellite bus, a platform designed for scientific and research missions.

### Mission Details
- **Launch Date**: April 7, 1972
- **Launch Site**: Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 31
- **Participants**: The satellite carried instruments for experiments involving Poland, Czechoslovakia, Mongolia, Hungary, and Romania.
- **Decay Date**: Intercosmos 6 remained in orbit until April 11, 1972, after which it decayed.

### Significance
Intercosmos 6 was a key example of the Soviet Union's efforts to collaborate with Eastern Bloc countries in space research. The satellite's mission contributed to advancements in astrophysics and other related fields, demonstrating the Soviet Union's commitment to fostering international scientific partnerships. Despite its relatively short orbital lifespan, Intercosmos 6 played a significant role in the broader context of Soviet space exploration.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report