# Kosmos 108

> Soviet satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q51527](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q51527)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kosmos_108)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/kosmos-108

Here’s the structured knowledge entry for **Kosmos 108**:

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## Summary  
Kosmos 108 was a Soviet research satellite launched in 1966 as part of the DS-U1-G program. It was designed to study cosmic rays and radiation in Earth's upper atmosphere. The satellite was launched aboard a Kosmos 63S1 rocket from Kapustin Yar.

## Key Facts  
- **Launch Date**: February 11, 1966  
- **Launch Vehicle**: Kosmos 63S1  
- **Launch Site**: Kapustin Yar  
- **Manufacturer**: Pivdenne Design Office  
- **Orbital Parameters**:  
  - Periapsis: 227 km  
  - Apoapsis: 865 km  
  - Orbital Inclination: 48.9°  
  - Orbital Period: 95.3 minutes  
  - Eccentricity: 0.045954  
- **COSPAR ID**: 1966-011A  
- **Satellite Class**: DS-U1-G  

## FAQs  
### Q: What was the purpose of Kosmos 108?  
A: Kosmos 108 was a scientific satellite designed to study cosmic rays and radiation in Earth's upper atmosphere as part of the DS-U1-G program.  

### Q: Where was Kosmos 108 launched from?  
A: It was launched from Kapustin Yar, a Soviet rocket launch and development site, aboard a Kosmos 63S1 rocket.  

### Q: How long did Kosmos 108 stay in orbit?  
A: While exact deorbit details aren't provided, its orbital parameters (227 km periapsis, 865 km apoapsis) suggest it remained operational for a limited time before re-entering Earth's atmosphere.  

## Why It Matters  
Kosmos 108 contributed to the Soviet Union's space research efforts during the Cold War, particularly in understanding cosmic rays and space radiation. As part of the DS-U1-G series, it helped advance scientific knowledge of near-Earth space conditions, which was critical for both civilian and military space programs. Its launch also demonstrated the capabilities of the Kosmos 63S1 rocket, a workhorse of Soviet small satellite deployments.  

## Notable For  
- **First DS-U1-G Satellite**: It was the inaugural mission of the DS-U1-G class, dedicated to cosmic ray research.  
- **Precision Orbit**: Achieved a highly elliptical orbit (227 km × 865 km) for atmospheric studies.  
- **Soviet Space Milestone**: Part of a broader effort to compete scientifically and technologically with the U.S. during the Space Race.  

## Body  
### Launch and Mission  
- Launched on **February 11, 1966**, at **18:00:00 UTC**.  
- Rocket: **Kosmos 63S1**, a two-stage launch vehicle.  
- Site: **Kapustin Yar**, a key Soviet launch facility.  

### Technical Specifications  
- **Spacecraft Bus**: DS-U1, a standardized platform for scientific satellites.  
- **Manufacturer**: Pivdenne Design Office (formerly Yuzhnoye), a major Soviet aerospace firm.  
- **Orbit**:  
  - **Periapsis**: 227 km  
  - **Apoapsis**: 865 km  
  - **Inclination**: 48.9°  
  - **Period**: 95.3 minutes  

### Scientific Payload  
- Primary mission: Study **cosmic rays** and **radiation** in the upper atmosphere.  
- Data contributed to understanding space weather and its effects on spacecraft.  

### Legacy  
- Paved the way for subsequent DS-U1-G missions.  
- Demonstrated the reliability of the Kosmos 63S1 launch vehicle.  

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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. Jonathan's Space Report
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013