# Interkosmos 11

> former Soviet solar radiation research satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q300379](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q300379)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/interkosmos-11

## Summary
Interkosmos 11 was a former Soviet solar radiation research satellite launched on May 17, 1974, as part of the Interkosmos program. It was part of the DS-U3-IK class and operated until its atmospheric re-entry on September 6, 1979. The satellite was designed to study solar radiation and was manufactured by the Pivdenne Design Office.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: May 17, 1974, at 11:00:00 UTC from Kapustin Yar.
- **Mass**: 400 kilograms.
- **Operator**: Interkosmos program.
- **Launch Vehicle**: Kosmos-3M (serial number 53749-167).
- **Spacecraft Bus**: DS-U3.
- **Power Source**: Spacecraft solar array with 8 panels.
- **Country of Origin**: Soviet Union.
- **Manufacturer**: Pivdenne Design Office.
- **Atmospheric Re-entry**: September 6, 1979.
- **COSPAR ID**: 1974-034A.
- **SCN (NORAD ID)**: 07299.

## FAQs
### Q: What was the purpose of Interkosmos 11?
A: Interkosmos 11 was a solar radiation research satellite designed to study solar radiation as part of the Interkosmos program, which aimed to facilitate international space research collaboration.

### Q: Who operated Interkosmos 11?
A: The satellite was operated by the Interkosmos program, a Soviet initiative that encouraged international cooperation in space research.

### Q: What was the launch vehicle used for Interkosmos 11?
A: The satellite was launched using a Kosmos-3M rocket from Kapustin Yar on May 17, 1974.

### Q: When did Interkosmos 11 re-enter the atmosphere?
A: Interkosmos 11 re-entered the Earth's atmosphere on September 6, 1979, marking the end of its operational life.

### Q: What was the mass of Interkosmos 11?
A: The satellite had a mass of 400 kilograms.

## Why It Matters
Interkosmos 11 played a crucial role in advancing solar radiation research during the Cold War era. As part of the Interkosmos program, it facilitated international collaboration in space science, allowing researchers from various countries to contribute to and benefit from the satellite's data. The satellite's solar radiation studies provided valuable insights into space weather and its effects on Earth, contributing to broader scientific understanding. Its operation and eventual re-entry highlight the Soviet Union's advancements in space technology and its commitment to space exploration. The Interkosmos program, of which Interkosmos 11 was a part, demonstrated the potential for global cooperation in space research, paving the way for future international space missions.

## Notable For
- **Solar Radiation Research**: Interkosmos 11 was specifically designed to study solar radiation, contributing to scientific knowledge about space weather.
- **International Collaboration**: As part of the Interkosmos program, it facilitated cooperation between the Soviet Union and other countries in space research.
- **Soviet Space Technology**: The satellite showcased the Soviet Union's capabilities in designing and operating research satellites.
- **Operational Longevity**: Despite its relatively short operational period, Interkosmos 11 provided valuable data until its re-entry in 1979.
- **Spacecraft Design**: It utilized a DS-U3 spacecraft bus, which was part of the Dnepropetrovsk Sputnik family, demonstrating the Soviet Union's expertise in satellite design.

## Body
### Overview
Interkosmos 11 was a solar radiation research satellite launched by the Soviet Union on May 17, 1974. It was part of the DS-U3-IK class and operated under the Interkosmos program, which aimed to promote international cooperation in space research. The satellite was manufactured by the Pivdenne Design Office and had a mass of 400 kilograms.

### Launch and Operation
The satellite was launched using a Kosmos-3M rocket from Kapustin Yar at 11:00:00 UTC. It was powered by a spacecraft solar array with 8 panels, ensuring its operational capabilities. The satellite was assigned the COSPAR ID 1974-034A and the SCN (NORAD ID) 07299.

### Scientific Contributions
Interkosmos 11 was designed to study solar radiation, contributing to the understanding of space weather and its effects on Earth. Its data provided valuable insights for scientific research, particularly in the field of solar radiation studies.

### End of Mission
The satellite's operational life came to an end on September 6, 1979, when it re-entered the Earth's atmosphere. This marked the conclusion of its mission, which had been part of the broader Interkosmos program aimed at facilitating international space research collaboration.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report
2. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/interkosmos-1.htm)
3. [Source](https://www.n2yo.com/satellite/?s=07299)