# Kosmos 11

> Societ technology demonstration satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q367580](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q367580)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kosmos_11)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/kosmos-11

## Summary
Kosmos 11 was a Soviet technology demonstration satellite launched on October 20, 1962, as part of the DS-A1 program. It was designed to test new spacecraft systems and re-entered Earth's atmosphere on May 18, 1964, after operating in orbit for nearly two years.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: October 20, 1962 (from Kapustin Yar)
- **Launch Vehicle**: Kosmos 63S1 (also listed as Kosmos-2I)
- **Mass**: 315 kilograms
- **Orbital Period**: 95.6 minutes
- **Orbital Inclination**: 48.9 degrees
- **Apoapsis**: 864 kilometers
- **Periapsis**: 249 kilometers
- **Decay Date**: May 18, 1964
- **Manufacturer**: Pivdenne Design Office
- **Instance of**: DS-A1 class satellite

## FAQs
### Q: What was the purpose of Kosmos 11?
A: Kosmos 11 was a Soviet technology demonstration satellite designed to test new spacecraft systems and components.

### Q: How long was Kosmos 11 in orbit?
A: Kosmos 11 remained in orbit for approximately two years before re-entering Earth's atmosphere on May 18, 1964.

### Q: What launch vehicle was used to deploy Kosmos 11?
A: Kosmos 11 was launched using the Kosmos 63S1 rocket (also referred to as Kosmos-2I).

### Q: Who manufactured Kosmos 11?
A: The satellite was manufactured by the Pivdenne Design Office, a Soviet aerospace engineering firm.

### Q: What was the orbital inclination of Kosmos 11?
A: Kosmos 11 had an orbital inclination of 48.9 degrees.

## Why It Matters
Kosmos 11 was a significant milestone in the Soviet space program, particularly as part of the DS-A1 series, which focused on testing new spacecraft technologies. Its successful deployment and operation contributed to the broader development of Soviet satellite capabilities. The satellite's re-entry in 1964 marked the end of its operational life but provided valuable data on atmospheric re-entry dynamics. As a technology demonstrator, Kosmos 11 helped advance spacecraft design and reliability, supporting future missions in the Soviet space program.

## Notable For
- **First of its class**: Kosmos 11 was the first satellite in the DS-A1 series, paving the way for subsequent technology demonstration missions.
- **Long-duration mission**: It remained in orbit for nearly two years, a notable achievement for early Soviet satellites.
- **Orbital testing**: The satellite's orbital parameters (apoapsis, periapsis, and inclination) were carefully chosen to test spacecraft performance in different orbital conditions.
- **Atmospheric re-entry data**: Its controlled re-entry provided valuable insights into atmospheric entry dynamics, useful for future spacecraft design.
- **Soviet space innovation**: Kosmos 11 represented a step forward in Soviet satellite technology, contributing to the broader advancement of space exploration.

## Body
### Mission Overview
Kosmos 11 was launched on October 20, 1962, from the Kapustin Yar launch site in the Soviet Union. It was deployed using the Kosmos 63S1 launch vehicle, which was also referred to as Kosmos-2I. The satellite weighed 315 kilograms and was part of the DS-A1 class, which focused on technology demonstration.

### Orbital Characteristics
Kosmos 11 operated in a low Earth orbit with an orbital period of 95.6 minutes. Its orbital inclination was 48.9 degrees, and it had an apoapsis of 864 kilometers and a periapsis of 249 kilometers. These parameters were carefully selected to test the satellite's performance in different orbital conditions.

### Operational Life
The satellite remained in orbit for approximately two years before re-entering Earth's atmosphere on May 18, 1964. During its operational life, Kosmos 11 conducted various tests to evaluate new spacecraft systems and components, contributing to the broader development of Soviet satellite technology.

### Significance
Kosmos 11 was a pioneering mission in the Soviet space program, particularly as part of the DS-A1 series. Its successful deployment and operation provided valuable data for future satellite missions. The satellite's re-entry in 1964 marked the end of its operational life but offered insights into atmospheric re-entry dynamics, which were crucial for future spacecraft design.

### Legacy
Kosmos 11 played a key role in advancing Soviet satellite technology and contributed to the broader field of space exploration. Its achievements in orbital testing and technology demonstration helped shape the future of Soviet space missions. The satellite's legacy continues to influence modern spacecraft design and operations.

## References

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