# Intercosmos 8
**Wikidata**: [Q1028647](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1028647)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/intercosmos-8

## Summary
Intercosmos 8 was a Soviet ionospheric research satellite launched on November 30, 1972, as part of the Intercosmos program. It was part of the DS-U1-IK series and was launched from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome using a Kosmos-2I rocket.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: November 30, 1972
- **Launch Vehicle**: Kosmos-2I
- **Launch Site**: Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 133
- **Class**: DS-U1-IK ionospheric research satellite
- **COSPAR ID**: 1972-094A
- **SCN (Satellite Catalog Number)**: 06291
- **Instance Of**: Artificial satellite
- **Significant Event**: Rocket launch at 21:49:57 UTC on November 30, 1972
- **Wikipedia Availability**: Available in Spanish, Galician, Hungarian, Polish, Portuguese, and Russian

## FAQs
### Q: What was the purpose of Intercosmos 8?
A: Intercosmos 8 was a Soviet ionospheric research satellite designed to study the Earth's ionosphere, a region of the upper atmosphere.

### Q: Which rocket was used to launch Intercosmos 8?
A: The satellite was launched using a Kosmos-2I rocket from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 133.

### Q: What is the COSPAR ID of Intercosmos 8?
A: The COSPAR ID of Intercosmos 8 is 1972-094A.

### Q: Where can I find more information about Intercosmos 8?
A: More information is available on Wikipedia in multiple languages, including Spanish, Galician, Hungarian, Polish, Portuguese, and Russian.

## Why It Matters
Intercosmos 8 was part of the Intercosmos program, a collaborative effort between the Soviet Union and other Eastern Bloc countries to conduct scientific research in space. The satellite contributed to the understanding of the Earth's ionosphere, which plays a crucial role in radio communication and satellite operations. Its launch and operation were significant milestones in the Soviet space program and international space cooperation.

## Notable For
- **First of its kind**: One of the first satellites in the DS-U1-IK series dedicated to ionospheric research.
- **International collaboration**: Part of the Intercosmos program, which facilitated joint space research between the Soviet Union and other Eastern Bloc nations.
- **Technological advancement**: Provided valuable data on the ionosphere, improving our understanding of radio wave propagation and satellite communication.

## Body
### Overview
Intercosmos 8 was a Soviet ionospheric research satellite launched on November 30, 1972. It was part of the DS-U1-IK series and was launched from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome using a Kosmos-2I rocket. The satellite was assigned the COSPAR ID 1972-094A and the Satellite Catalog Number (SCN) 06291.

### Mission Details
The primary mission of Intercosmos 8 was to study the Earth's ionosphere, a region of the upper atmosphere that is ionized by solar radiation. The satellite was equipped with instruments to measure ionospheric parameters, which are crucial for understanding radio wave propagation and satellite communication.

### Launch and Operation
Intercosmos 8 was launched at 21:49:57 UTC on November 30, 1972, from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 133. The launch vehicle used was the Kosmos-2I, a superseded Soviet carrier rocket. The satellite operated as part of the Intercosmos program, which aimed to promote international cooperation in space research.

### Significance
Intercosmos 8 played a significant role in advancing our understanding of the ionosphere. The data collected by the satellite contributed to the development of more accurate models of ionospheric behavior, which are essential for various applications, including radio communication and satellite navigation.

### Availability
Detailed information about Intercosmos 8 is available on Wikipedia in multiple languages, including Spanish, Galician, Hungarian, Polish, Portuguese, and Russian. The satellite's image is also available on Wikimedia Commons.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report