# Interkosmos 14

> former Soviet ionospheric research satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q1097393](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1097393)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/interkosmos-14

## Summary
Interkosmos 14 was a Soviet ionospheric research satellite launched on December 11, 1975, as part of the Interkosmos program. It was part of the Dnepropetrovsk Sputnik family and operated until its atmospheric re-entry on February 27, 1983.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: December 11, 1975, at 17:00:01 UTC from Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 132.
- **Launch Vehicle**: Kosmos-3M, with the serial number 53746-308.
- **Operator**: Interkosmos, a Soviet space program for international cooperation.
- **Spacecraft Bus**: DS-U2, a model of Soviet ionospheric research satellite.
- **Manufacturer**: Pivdenne Design Office, a Soviet aerospace engineering bureau.
- **Country of Origin**: Soviet Union.
- **COSPAR ID**: 1975-115A.
- **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN)**: 08471.
- **Orbit Decay**: February 27, 1983, marking the end of its operational life.
- **Aliases**: DC-U2-IK-7, DS-U2-IK No. 7, DS-U2-IK #7, IK-14.

## FAQs
### Q: What was the purpose of Interkosmos 14?
A: Interkosmos 14 was designed for ionospheric research, contributing to scientific studies of Earth's upper atmosphere.

### Q: Which rocket launched Interkosmos 14?
A: It was launched by a Kosmos-3M rocket from Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 132 on December 11, 1975.

### Q: How long was Interkosmos 14 operational?
A: The satellite remained operational until its atmospheric re-entry on February 27, 1983.

### Q: Who operated Interkosmos 14?
A: The satellite was operated by Interkosmos, a Soviet program for international space cooperation.

### Q: What was the spacecraft bus of Interkosmos 14?
A: It used the DS-U2 spacecraft bus, a model of Soviet ionospheric research satellites.

## Why It Matters
Interkosmos 14 played a crucial role in Soviet ionospheric research, contributing to scientific understanding of Earth's upper atmosphere. As part of the Interkosmos program, it facilitated international collaboration in space exploration. Its launch and subsequent operations provided valuable data for atmospheric studies, enhancing knowledge of ionospheric phenomena. The satellite's design and mission aligned with broader Soviet efforts in space science, demonstrating the country's technological capabilities in satellite development and operation. Its atmospheric re-entry in 1983 marked the end of its mission, but its legacy continues to influence modern space research.

## Notable For
- **Ionospheric Research**: Pioneered studies of Earth's upper atmosphere.
- **Interkosmos Program**: Contributed to Soviet international space cooperation.
- **DS-U2 Spacecraft Bus**: Utilized a specialized model for atmospheric studies.
- **Plesetsk Launch**: Launched from the Soviet Union's primary spaceport.
- **Kosmos-3M Rocket**: Used a reliable Soviet launch vehicle for deployment.

## Body
### Mission Overview
Interkosmos 14 was launched on December 11, 1975, aboard a Kosmos-3M rocket from Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 132. It was part of the Dnepropetrovsk Sputnik family and operated under the Interkosmos program, which aimed to facilitate international collaboration in space research. The satellite was designed for ionospheric research, contributing to scientific studies of Earth's upper atmosphere.

### Technical Specifications
The spacecraft used the DS-U2 spacecraft bus, a model of Soviet ionospheric research satellites. It was manufactured by Pivdenne Design Office, a Soviet aerospace engineering bureau. The satellite had a COSPAR ID of 1975-115A and a Satellite Catalog Number (SCN) of 08471. Its launch vehicle, Kosmos-3M, had the serial number 53746-308.

### Operational Life
Interkosmos 14 remained operational until its atmospheric re-entry on February 27, 1983. During its operational period, it conducted ionospheric research, providing valuable data for scientific understanding. The satellite's mission aligned with broader Soviet efforts in space science, demonstrating the country's technological capabilities in satellite development and operation.

### International Collaboration
As part of the Interkosmos program, the satellite facilitated international cooperation in space exploration. It contributed to Soviet efforts in ionospheric research, enhancing global knowledge of Earth's upper atmosphere. The mission's success highlighted the Soviet Union's commitment to advancing space science through collaborative initiatives.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report
2. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/interkosmos-3.htm)
3. [Source](https://www.n2yo.com/satellite/?s=08471)