# Interkosmos 16

> former Soviet solar radiation research satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q300438](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q300438)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/interkosmos-16

## Summary
Interkosmos 16 was a former Soviet solar radiation research satellite launched on July 27, 1976, as part of the Interkosmos program. It was part of the DS-U3-IK satellite class and operated in low Earth orbit, conducting scientific experiments on solar radiation before re-entering the atmosphere on July 10, 1979.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: July 27, 1976, at 12:00:02 UTC from Kapustin Yar.
- **Launch Vehicle**: Kosmos-3M rocket (serial number 53746-316).
- **Mass**: 550 kilograms.
- **Orbital Parameters**:
  - Apoapsis: 523 km
  - Periapsis: 465 km
  - Inclination: 50.6°
  - Eccentricity: 0.00422
- **Power Source**: Spacecraft solar array with 8 panels.
- **Operator**: Interkosmos (a Soviet space program for international cooperation).
- **Manufacturer**: Pivdenne Design Office (Ukraine).
- **Spacecraft Bus**: DS-U3, part of the Dnepropetrovsk Sputnik family.
- **Deorbit Date**: July 10, 1979.
- **COSPAR ID**: 1976-076A.
- **SCN (Satellite Catalog Number)**: 09055.

## FAQs
### Q: What was the purpose of Interkosmos 16?
A: Interkosmos 16 was a solar radiation research satellite designed to study solar activity and its effects on Earth's atmosphere.

### Q: How long did Interkosmos 16 remain in orbit?
A: The satellite operated in orbit for approximately three years before re-entering the atmosphere on July 10, 1979.

### Q: Which rocket launched Interkosmos 16?
A: The satellite was launched by a Kosmos-3M rocket from Kapustin Yar on July 27, 1976.

### Q: What was the mass of Interkosmos 16?
A: The satellite had a mass of 550 kilograms.

### Q: What was the orbital inclination of Interkosmos 16?
A: The satellite had an orbital inclination of 50.6 degrees.

## Why It Matters
Interkosmos 16 played a crucial role in the Soviet Union's Interkosmos program, which aimed to facilitate international cooperation in space research. The satellite contributed valuable data on solar radiation, aiding scientists in understanding its impact on Earth's climate and technological systems. Its mission highlighted the Soviet Union's advancements in space-based scientific research and its efforts to share findings with international partners. The satellite's relatively short operational lifespan, however, underscores the challenges of maintaining long-term satellite missions in the harsh space environment.

## Notable For
- **First in Class**: One of the earliest DS-U3-IK satellites, part of a series designed for solar radiation studies.
- **International Collaboration**: Operated under the Interkosmos program, promoting Soviet-Russian space research with foreign partners.
- **Solar Array Design**: Featured an innovative spacecraft solar array with eight panels, enhancing its power capabilities.
- **Low Earth Orbit**: Operated in a low Earth orbit, allowing for detailed atmospheric and solar observations.
- **Rapid Deorbit**: Re-entered the atmosphere just three years after launch, demonstrating the satellite's limited operational lifespan.

## Body
### Mission Overview
Interkosmos 16 was launched on July 27, 1976, aboard a Kosmos-3M rocket from Kapustin Yar. It was part of the DS-U3-IK satellite class, which was designed for solar radiation research. The satellite had a mass of 550 kilograms and was equipped with a spacecraft solar array consisting of eight panels, providing the necessary power for its scientific instruments.

### Orbital Characteristics
The satellite operated in a low Earth orbit with an apoapsis of 523 kilometers and a periapsis of 465 kilometers. Its orbital inclination of 50.6 degrees allowed for comprehensive coverage of solar radiation patterns. The orbital eccentricity of 0.00422 indicated a near-circular orbit, which was optimal for consistent data collection.

### Scientific Contributions
Interkosmos 16 was part of the Interkosmos program, which facilitated international cooperation in space research. The satellite's primary mission was to study solar radiation and its effects on Earth's atmosphere. Its data contributed to broader scientific understanding of solar activity and its implications for space weather.

### Operational Lifespan
The satellite remained operational for approximately three years before re-entering the atmosphere on July 10, 1979. This relatively short operational period was typical for early Soviet research satellites, which often faced challenges in maintaining long-term functionality in space.

### Legacy
Interkosmos 16 remains a notable example of the Soviet Union's efforts to advance space-based scientific research. Its mission underscored the importance of international collaboration in space exploration and the ongoing need for robust satellite design to withstand the harsh conditions of space.

## 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=09055)
4. [Source](https://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/spacecraft/displayTrajectory.action?id=1976-076A)