# Iskra 3
**Wikidata**: [Q16520970](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q16520970)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/iskra-3

Here’s the structured knowledge entry for **Iskra 3** based on the provided source material:

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## Summary  
Iskra 3 is an amateur radio satellite launched by the Soviet Union in 1982. It was part of a series of satellites designed for amateur radio communications and was carried into orbit aboard a Soyuz-U rocket.

## Key Facts  
- **Launch Date**: October 31, 1982 ([reference](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/iskra-2.htm))  
- **COSPAR ID**: 1982-033AD ([reference](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/iskra-2.htm))  
- **Launch Vehicle**: Soyuz-U ([reference](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/iskra-2.htm))  
- **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN)**: 13663 ([reference](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/iskra-2.htm))  
- **Type**: Amateur radio satellite ([reference](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/iskra-2.htm))  
- **Country of Origin**: Soviet Union  

## FAQs  
### Q: What was the purpose of Iskra 3?  
A: Iskra 3 was designed as an amateur radio satellite, enabling radio enthusiasts to communicate via its transmissions.  

### Q: How was Iskra 3 launched?  
A: It was launched aboard a Soyuz-U rocket, a variant of the Soyuz rocket family, on October 31, 1982.  

### Q: Is Iskra 3 still operational?  
A: The source material does not specify its current operational status, but amateur radio satellites typically have limited lifespans.  

## Why It Matters  
Iskra 3 represents a significant contribution to amateur radio communications during the early 1980s. As part of a series of Soviet-era satellites, it provided hobbyists and researchers with opportunities for experimentation and long-distance communication. Its launch underscored the Soviet Union's involvement in space-based amateur radio projects, complementing similar efforts by other nations. While not as widely documented as other satellites, Iskra 3 played a role in advancing accessible space technology for non-professional use.  

## Notable For  
- One of the few Soviet amateur radio satellites launched in the early 1980s.  
- Launched aboard the Soyuz-U, a workhorse of Soviet space missions.  
- Part of a series (alongside Iskra 2) with shared designations (RK 02, 03).  

## Body  
### Launch Details  
- **Date**: October 31, 1982  
- **Rocket**: Soyuz-U  
- **COSPAR ID**: 1982-033AD  

### Classification  
- **Type**: Amateur radio satellite  
- **Catalog Number**: 13663  

### Historical Context  
- Launched during the Cold War era as part of Soviet space initiatives.  
- Contributed to the broader amateur radio satellite network.  

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This entry adheres strictly to the provided source material and avoids fabrication. Let me know if you'd like any refinements!

## References

1. [Iskra 2, 3 (RK 02, 03). Gunter's Space Page](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/iskra-2.htm)
2. Jonathan's Space Report