# Kosmos 159

> Soviet satellite launched in May 1967

**Wikidata**: [Q3359380](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q3359380)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kosmos_159)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/kosmos-159

## Summary
Kosmos 159 was a Soviet satellite launched on May 16, 1967, as part of the Kosmos series of military satellites. It was launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome using a Molniya-M rocket and had an orbital period of 1,174 minutes before decaying from orbit on November 11, 1967.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: May 16, 1967
- **Launch Site**: Baikonur Cosmodrome (Gagarin's Start)
- **Launch Vehicle**: Molniya-M (also classified as Molniya)
- **Orbital Period**: 1,174 minutes
- **Orbital Inclination**: 51.8 degrees
- **Orbital Eccentricity**: 0.81742
- **Periapsis**: 350 kilometers
- **Apoapsis**: 60,637 kilometers
- **Mass**: 1,640 kilograms
- **Decay Date**: November 11, 1967
- **COSPAR ID**: 1967-046A

## FAQs
### Q: What was Kosmos 159?
A: Kosmos 159 was a Soviet military satellite launched in May 1967 as part of the Kosmos series. It was designed for orbital operations and decayed from orbit in November 1967.

### Q: What rocket launched Kosmos 159?
A: Kosmos 159 was launched using a Molniya-M rocket from the Baikonur Cosmodrome on May 16, 1967.

### Q: What was the orbital period of Kosmos 159?
A: The satellite had an orbital period of 1,174 minutes, meaning it completed one full orbit around Earth every 1,174 minutes.

### Q: When did Kosmos 159 decay from orbit?
A: Kosmos 159 decayed from orbit on November 11, 1967, after approximately six months in space.

### Q: What was the mass of Kosmos 159?
A: The satellite had a mass of 1,640 kilograms, including its payload and structural components.

## Why It Matters
Kosmos 159 was part of the Soviet Union's extensive Kosmos satellite program, which served military and reconnaissance purposes. The satellite's launch and operation contributed to the Soviet space program's efforts to develop and deploy space-based surveillance and communication systems. Its orbital characteristics, including a high eccentricity and inclined orbit, were typical of military satellites designed for long-duration missions. The satellite's decay marked the end of its operational life, as many early Soviet satellites had short operational lifespans due to atmospheric drag and other factors. Kosmos 159 remains a notable example of the Soviet Union's early efforts in space exploration and military applications.

## Notable For
- **Military Satellite**: Part of the Kosmos series, designed for Soviet military operations.
- **Molniya-M Launch**: First use of the Molniya-M rocket for this mission.
- **High Eccentricity Orbit**: Orbited with an eccentricity of 0.81742, typical for Molniya-class satellites.
- **Short Operational Life**: Decayed from orbit just six months after launch, common for early Soviet satellites.
- **Baikonur Launch Site**: Launched from Gagarin's Start at the Baikonur Cosmodrome, a key Soviet spaceport.

## Body
### Launch Details
Kosmos 159 was launched on May 16, 1967, at 21:43:57 UTC from Gagarin's Start at the Baikonur Cosmodrome. The satellite was deployed using a Molniya-M rocket, which was also classified under the broader Molniya family of launch vehicles. The rocket's performance and reliability were critical to the mission's success.

### Orbital Characteristics
The satellite's orbit had a periapsis of 350 kilometers and an apoapsis of 60,637 kilometers, resulting in an orbital period of 1,174 minutes. The orbital inclination of 51.8 degrees was typical for Molniya-class satellites, which were designed to provide high-latitude coverage. The high eccentricity of 0.81742 further characterized its orbit, allowing for extended coverage over polar regions.

### Operational Life
Kosmos 159 remained in orbit for approximately six months before decaying on November 11, 1967. The satellite's mass was 1,640 kilograms, including its payload and structural components. Its operational life was relatively short, reflecting the limitations of early Soviet satellite technology.

### Significance
Kosmos 159 was part of the Soviet Union's broader efforts to develop and deploy military satellites for reconnaissance and communication purposes. The satellite's launch and operation contributed to the Soviet space program's advancements in space-based surveillance and military applications. Its decay marked the end of its operational life, as many early Soviet satellites had short operational lifespans due to atmospheric drag and other factors.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report
2. [Source](http://www.pereplet.ru/space/chrono/1967.html)