# Kosmos 166

> former Soviet solar research satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q346597](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q346597)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kosmos_166)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/kosmos-166

## Summary
Kosmos 166 was a Soviet solar research satellite launched on June 16, 1967, as part of the Dnepropetrovsk Sputnik program. It was the first spacecraft of the DS-U3-S class and operated in low Earth orbit before reentering the atmosphere on October 25, 1967.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: June 16, 1967, at 04:44 UTC from Kapustin Yar.
- **Mass**: 285 kilograms.
- **Orbit**: Low Earth orbit with an apogee of 553 km and perigee of 281 km.
- **Orbital Period**: 92.6 minutes.
- **Inclination**: 48.4 degrees.
- **Eccentricity**: 0.02.
- **Launch Vehicle**: Kosmos-2I.
- **Manufacturer**: Pivdenne Design Office.
- **Power Source**: Spacecraft solar array with 8 panels.
- **Satellite Class**: DS-U3-S, part of the Dnepropetrovsk Sputnik family.
- **Decay Date**: October 25, 1967, after reentering Earth's atmosphere.
- **COSPAR ID**: 1967-061A.

## FAQs
### Q: What was the purpose of Kosmos 166?
A: Kosmos 166 was a Soviet solar research satellite designed to study solar radiation and its effects in space, as part of the broader Dnepropetrovsk Sputnik program.

### Q: How long did Kosmos 166 remain in orbit?
A: Kosmos 166 operated in low Earth orbit for approximately 4 months before reentering the atmosphere on October 25, 1967.

### Q: What was the significance of the DS-U3-S class?
A: The DS-U3-S class was a model of Soviet solar research satellites, with Kosmos 166 being the first operational spacecraft in this series.

### Q: Who manufactured Kosmos 166?
A: Kosmos 166 was manufactured by the Pivdenne Design Office, a key Soviet aerospace organization.

### Q: What launch vehicle was used for Kosmos 166?
A: The satellite was launched using the Kosmos-2I carrier rocket from the Kapustin Yar site.

## Why It Matters
Kosmos 166 played a crucial role in the Soviet Union's early solar research efforts, contributing to the understanding of solar radiation and its impact on spacecraft. As part of the Dnepropetrovsk Sputnik program, it demonstrated the feasibility of long-duration solar observations in space. The satellite's relatively short operational lifespan, however, highlighted the challenges of maintaining stability in low Earth orbit. Despite its brief mission, Kosmos 166 provided valuable data that informed subsequent solar research and satellite design.

## Notable For
- **First DS-U3-S Satellite**: Kosmos 166 was the inaugural spacecraft in the DS-U3-S class, paving the way for future solar research missions.
- **Solar Array Design**: It featured an innovative spacecraft solar array with 8 panels, a key advancement in solar-powered satellite technology.
- **Low Earth Orbit Operations**: The satellite's orbit and operational period provided insights into the behavior of satellites in this critical region.
- **Soviet Space Research**: As part of the Dnepropetrovsk Sputnik program, Kosmos 166 contributed to the Soviet Union's broader space exploration efforts.

## Body
### Mission Overview
Kosmos 166 was launched on June 16, 1967, from the Kapustin Yar site in the Soviet Union. It was equipped with a spacecraft solar array consisting of 8 panels, providing the necessary power for its solar research objectives. The satellite was part of the DS-U3-S class, which was designed for studying solar radiation and its effects on spacecraft systems.

### Orbital Characteristics
Kosmos 166 operated in a low Earth orbit with an apogee of 553 km and a perigee of 281 km. Its orbital period was 92.6 minutes, and its inclination was 48.4 degrees. The satellite's eccentricity was 0.02, indicating a relatively stable orbit for its mission duration.

### Launch and Decay
The satellite was launched using the Kosmos-2I carrier rocket, a reliable Soviet launch vehicle of the era. After approximately 4 months in orbit, Kosmos 166 reentered Earth's atmosphere on October 25, 1967, concluding its mission. The satellite's decay marked the end of its operational phase but provided valuable data for future solar research.

### Significance and Legacy
Kosmos 166 was significant as the first operational spacecraft in the DS-U3-S class, contributing to the Soviet Union's solar research capabilities. Its solar array design and orbital behavior offered insights that informed subsequent satellite missions. The satellite's brief but impactful mission underscored the challenges and achievements of early space exploration.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report
2. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/ds-u3-s.htm)
3. [Source](https://www.n2yo.com/satellite/?s=02848)
4. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013