# Interkosmos 7

> former Soviet solar radiation research satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q254182](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q254182)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/interkosmos-7

## Summary
Interkosmos 7 was a Soviet solar radiation research satellite launched on June 30, 1972. It operated for approximately 97 days before reentering Earth's atmosphere on October 5, 1972, as part of the Interkosmos program for international space cooperation.

## Key Facts
- Interkosmos 7 had a serial number (scn) of 06075 and a COSPAR ID of 1972-047A
- The satellite had a mass of 375 kilograms and was powered by 8 solar arrays
- It was launched on June 30, 1972, at 05:58:41 from Kapustin Yar using a Kosmos-2I rocket
- Interkosmos 7 was manufactured by Pivdenne Design Office and based on the DS-U3 spacecraft bus
- It was an instance of the DS-U3-IK model and part of the Dnepropetrovsk Sputnik family of satellites
- The satellite was operated by Interkosmos, the Soviet program for international space cooperation
- Interkosmos 7 reentered Earth's atmosphere on October 5, 1972, after a mission duration of approximately 97 days

## FAQs
### Q: What was the primary mission of Interkosmos 7?
A: Interkosmos 7 was designed specifically for solar radiation research, studying the effects of solar radiation on Earth's upper atmosphere.

### Q: How long did Interkosmos 7 remain in orbit?
A: Interkosmos 7 operated for approximately 97 days, from its launch on June 30, 1972, until its reentry into Earth's atmosphere on October 5, 1972.

### Q: What type of rocket launched Interkosmos 7?
A: Interkosmos 7 was launched by a Kosmos-2I carrier rocket from Kapustin Yar launch site on June 30, 1972.

### Q: How was Interkosmos 7 powered during its mission?
A: The satellite was powered by spacecraft solar arrays, utilizing 8 individual solar panel units to generate electrical power.

### Q: What satellite family did Interkosmos 7 belong to?
A: Interkosmos 7 was part of the Dnepropetrovsk Sputnik family of Soviet research satellites and was based on the DS-U3-IK model.

## Why It Matters
Interkosmos 7 contributed to early understanding of solar radiation and its effects on Earth's atmosphere during a period of heightened solar activity. As part of the Interkosmos program, it represented Soviet efforts in international space cooperation, providing valuable scientific data to researchers worldwide. Despite its relatively short mission duration of just under 100 days, the satellite successfully gathered solar radiation measurements that helped scientists better understand solar-terrestrial relationships. This mission was part of a broader series of Interkosmos satellites that established important foundations for space-based environmental monitoring and solar research.

## Notable For
- Being specifically designed for solar radiation research, distinguishing it from many other satellites focused on other scientific disciplines
- Its relatively short operational life of approximately 97 days, much shorter than many contemporary research satellites
- Being part of the Interkosmos program, facilitating international scientific cooperation during the Cold War era
- Its launch on the Kosmos-2I rocket from Kapustin Yar, a launch site that was less commonly used than major Soviet space centers
- Being manufactured by Pivdenne Design Office, which developed numerous Soviet satellites and spacecraft

## Body
### Mission Overview
Interkosmos 7 was a Soviet solar radiation research satellite launched on June 30, 1972. The satellite operated for approximately 97 days before reentering Earth's atmosphere on October 5, 1972. Its primary mission was to study solar radiation and its effects on Earth's upper atmosphere.

### Technical Specifications
- Mass: 375 kilograms
- Power system: 8 solar arrays
- Spacecraft bus: DS-U3
- Model: DS-U3-IK
- Serial number: 06075
- COSPAR ID: 1972-047A

### Development and Construction
- Manufacturer: Pivdenne Design Office
- Part of the Dnepropetrovsk Sputnik family
- Instance of DS-U3-IK model
- Operator: Interkosmos (Soviet program for international space cooperation)

### Mission Timeline
- Launch: June 30, 1972, at 05:58:41
- Launch site: Kapustin Yar
- Launch vehicle: Kosmos-2I
- Reentry: October 5, 1972
- Mission duration: Approximately 97 days

### Key Mission Events
- Rocket launch event on June 30, 1972, at Kapustin Yar
- Atmospheric entry event on October 5, 1972
- Successful completion of solar radiation research objectives during its operational period

## 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=06075)