# Kosmos 17

> Societ technology demonstration satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q734423](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q734423)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kosmos_17)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/kosmos-17

## Summary
Kosmos 17 was a Soviet technology demonstration satellite launched in 1963 to test spacecraft systems and orbital technologies. It operated until its decay in 1965, contributing to the development of early Soviet space capabilities. Part of the DS-A1 satellite class, it was deployed using a Kosmos-2I rocket, marking a step in the Soviet Union's space program.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: May 22, 1963, at 03:00:00 UTC from Kapustin Yar.
- **COSPAR ID**: 1963-017A.
- **Manufacturer**: Pivdenne Design Office.
- **Mass**: 322 kilograms.
- **Orbital Decay**: Re-entered Earth's atmosphere on June 2, 1965.
- **Orbital Parameters**: Periapsis of 251 km, apoapsis of 658 km, and inclination of 48.9 degrees.
- **Satellite Class**: DS-A1, a model for Soviet technology demonstration satellites.
- **Launch Vehicle**: Kosmos-2I (superseded carrier rocket) and Kosmos 63S1 (launch vehicle model).

## FAQs
### Q: What was the purpose of Kosmos 17?
A: Kosmos 17 was a technology demonstration satellite designed to test and validate spacecraft systems and orbital technologies for the Soviet space program.

### Q: How long did Kosmos 17 remain in orbit?
A: Kosmos 17 operated for approximately two years, from its launch on May 22, 1963, until its atmospheric re-entry on June 2, 1965.

### Q: Who built Kosmos 17?
A: The satellite was manufactured by the Pivdenne Design Office, a key Soviet engineering bureau responsible for spacecraft and missile development.

## Why It Matters
Kosmos 17 played a role in advancing Soviet space technology during the early years of the space race. As a technology demonstrator, it tested systems critical for future satellites, including orbital stability and payload functionality. Its use of the Kosmos-2I rocket highlighted the evolution of Soviet launch capabilities, while its relatively short lifespan reflected the experimental nature of early space missions. The satellite contributed to the broader Kosmos program, which encompassed a wide range of missions, from communications to scientific research, solidifying the Soviet Union's position in space exploration.

## Notable For
- **Early Technology Demonstration**: One of the first satellites in the DS-A1 class, focused on proving spacecraft technologies.
- **Launch Vehicle Transition**: Utilized the Kosmos-2I rocket, which later became a superseded but historically significant launch system.
- **Short Orbital Lifespan**: Operated for just over two years before decaying, typical of early satellites with limited orbital longevity.
- **Soviet Space Program Milestone**: Part of the broader Kosmos series, which included numerous experimental and operational satellites.

## Body
### Launch and Deployment
Kosmos 17 was launched on May 22, 1963, at 03:00:00 UTC from the Kapustin Yar launch site in the Soviet Union. The satellite was deployed using a Kosmos-2I carrier rocket, a superseded launch vehicle model, and was also associated with the Kosmos 63S1 launch vehicle class. Its mission focused on demonstrating technological capabilities in orbit.

### Orbital Characteristics
- **Mass**: 322 kg.
- **Periapsis/Apoapsis**: 251 km and 658 km, respectively.
- **Orbital Inclination**: 48.9 degrees.
- **Orbital Period**: 93.7 minutes.
- **Decay Date**: June 2, 1965, when the satellite re-entered Earth's atmosphere.

### Design and Technology
As a DS-A1-class satellite, Kosmos 17 was designed by the Pivdenne Design Office. The DS-A1 model was specifically tailored for technology demonstration missions, emphasizing the testing of spacecraft subsystems and orbital mechanics. Its structure and instrumentation reflected early Soviet engineering approaches to satellite development.

### Legacy
While Kosmos 17 did not achieve long-term orbital presence, its mission provided valuable data for refining subsequent satellite designs. The satellite's role in the Kosmos program underscored the Soviet Union's systematic approach to space technology development, laying groundwork for more complex missions in later years. Its use of the Kosmos-2I rocket also illustrated the iterative progress of Soviet launch systems during the 1960s.

## References

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