# Interkosmos 9

> former Soviet ionospheric research satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q863788](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q863788)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/interkosmos-9

## Summary
Interkosmos 9 was a Soviet ionospheric research satellite launched on April 19, 1973, as part of the Dnepropetrovsk Sputnik program. It was designed to study the Earth's ionosphere and operated under the Interkosmos program, which facilitated international collaboration in space research. The satellite decayed from orbit on October 15, 1973.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: April 19, 1973, at 10:19:58 UTC from Kapustin Yar.
- **Mass**: 400 kilograms.
- **Operator**: Interkosmos, a Soviet program for international space research.
- **Launch Vehicle**: Kosmos-2I, a retired Soviet carrier rocket.
- **Spacecraft Bus**: DS-U2, a Soviet satellite platform.
- **Country of Origin**: Soviet Union.
- **Manufacturer**: Pivdenne Design Office.
- **Orbit Decay**: October 15, 1973.
- **COSPAR ID**: 1973-022A.
- **Aliases**: DS-U2-IK-3, Intercosmos 9, DS-U2-IK No. 3, DS-U2-IK #3, IK-9, Kopernik 500.
- **Part of**: Dnepropetrovsk Sputnik satellite family.

## FAQs
### Q: What was the purpose of Interkosmos 9?
A: Interkosmos 9 was a Soviet ionospheric research satellite designed to study the Earth's ionosphere, contributing to international space research through the Interkosmos program.

### Q: When was Interkosmos 9 launched?
A: Interkosmos 9 was launched on April 19, 1973, from Kapustin Yar at 10:19:58 UTC.

### Q: What was the mass of Interkosmos 9?
A: The satellite had a mass of 400 kilograms.

### Q: Which rocket launched Interkosmos 9?
A: Interkosmos 9 was launched by the Kosmos-2I carrier rocket.

### Q: When did Interkosmos 9 decay from orbit?
A: Interkosmos 9 decayed from orbit on October 15, 1973.

## Why It Matters
Interkosmos 9 played a crucial role in Soviet ionospheric research, contributing to the broader understanding of Earth's upper atmosphere. As part of the Interkosmos program, it facilitated international collaboration, allowing scientists from various countries to participate in space research. The satellite's data helped advance knowledge of ionospheric dynamics, which is essential for communications, navigation, and space weather forecasting. Its mission underscored the Soviet Union's commitment to scientific exploration and technological innovation during the Cold War era.

## Notable For
- **Ionospheric Research**: One of the first satellites dedicated to studying the Earth's ionosphere.
- **International Collaboration**: Operated under the Interkosmos program, which promoted joint space research efforts.
- **Soviet Spacecraft Design**: Utilized the DS-U2 satellite bus, a common platform for Soviet research satellites.
- **Short Operational Life**: Decayed from orbit just six months after launch, typical for early Soviet ionospheric satellites.
- **Part of Larger Program**: Belonged to the Dnepropetrovsk Sputnik family, a series of Soviet satellites for atmospheric and space research.

## Body
### Mission Overview
Interkosmos 9 was launched on April 19, 1973, from Kapustin Yar Cosmodrome aboard a Kosmos-2I rocket. It was part of the Dnepropetrovsk Sputnik program, which focused on ionospheric and atmospheric research. The satellite operated under the Interkosmos program, which aimed to facilitate international cooperation in space exploration.

### Technical Specifications
- **Mass**: 400 kilograms.
- **Spacecraft Bus**: DS-U2, a Soviet satellite platform designed for scientific research.
- **Manufacturer**: Pivdenne Design Office, a key Soviet aerospace manufacturer.
- **Launch Vehicle**: Kosmos-2I, a retired Soviet carrier rocket.

### Operational Details
- **Launch Date**: April 19, 1973, at 10:19:58 UTC.
- **COSPAR ID**: 1973-022A.
- **Orbit Decay**: October 15, 1973, marking the end of its operational life.

### Significance
Interkosmos 9 contributed to the understanding of the ionosphere, a critical layer of Earth's atmosphere for radio communications and space weather. Its mission highlighted the Soviet Union's efforts to advance scientific knowledge through space research, even as the Cold War era progressed. The satellite's short operational period was typical for early Soviet ionospheric satellites, which often had limited lifespans due to technological constraints.

## 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=06433)