# Kosmos 19

> Soviet military satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q51554](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q51554)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kosmos_19)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/kosmos-19

## Summary
Kosmos 19 was a Soviet military satellite launched on August 6, 1963, as part of the DS-P1 series, designed for radar calibration. It was launched from Kapustin Yar using a Kosmos-2I rocket and had a mass of 355 kilograms. The satellite operated in a low Earth orbit before decaying and re-entering the atmosphere on March 30, 1964.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: August 6, 1963
- **Launch Site**: Kapustin Yar, Soviet Union
- **Launch Vehicle**: Kosmos-2I (primary) or Kosmos 63S1 (alternative)
- **Mass**: 355 kilograms
- **Orbital Period**: 92.2 minutes
- **Apoapsis**: 519 kilometers
- **Periapsis**: 270 kilometers
- **Orbital Inclination**: 49 degrees
- **Decay Date**: March 30, 1964
- **Satellite ID**: COSPAR ID 1963-033A, SCN 00632
- **Manufacturer**: Pivdenne Design Office

## FAQs
### Q: What was the purpose of Kosmos 19?
A: Kosmos 19 was a Soviet military satellite designed for radar calibration, part of the DS-P1 series. It was used to support military radar systems by providing calibration signals.

### Q: How long did Kosmos 19 remain in orbit?
A: Kosmos 19 operated in orbit for approximately seven months before re-entering the atmosphere on March 30, 1964.

### Q: What was the launch vehicle used for Kosmos 19?
A: Kosmos 19 was launched using either the Kosmos-2I or Kosmos 63S1 rocket, both Soviet carrier rockets.

### Q: What was the orbital inclination of Kosmos 19?
A: The satellite had an orbital inclination of 49 degrees, meaning it traveled at a moderate angle relative to the Earth's equator.

### Q: Who manufactured Kosmos 19?
A: Kosmos 19 was manufactured by the Pivdenne Design Office, a Soviet aerospace engineering firm.

## Why It Matters
Kosmos 19 was a critical component of the Soviet Union's early satellite-based radar calibration efforts. As part of the DS-P1 series, it played a role in maintaining and improving the accuracy of military radar systems, which were essential for defense and strategic surveillance. Its relatively short operational lifespan, from launch in 1963 to decay in 1964, reflects the early stages of the Soviet space program's focus on practical military applications. The satellite's data contributed to the calibration of radar systems, ensuring their effectiveness in tracking and monitoring targets. While not as prominent as later Soviet or international satellites, Kosmos 19 was part of a broader effort to enhance the capabilities of the Soviet military through space-based technology.

## Notable For
- **First of its kind**: One of the earliest Soviet military satellites dedicated to radar calibration.
- **Short operational life**: Decayed quickly after launch, typical of early Soviet satellite designs.
- **Support for military radar**: Provided calibration signals to improve the accuracy of Soviet military radar systems.
- **Part of the DS-P1 series**: Shared design and purpose with other DS-P1 satellites, indicating a standardized approach to military satellite development.
- **Launched from Kapustin Yar**: Used a key Soviet spaceport for military and scientific launches.

## Body
### Overview
Kosmos 19 was a Soviet military satellite launched on August 6, 1963, as part of the DS-P1 series. It was designed for radar calibration, a critical function for military radar systems. The satellite was launched from Kapustin Yar, a significant Soviet spaceport, using either the Kosmos-2I or Kosmos 63S1 rocket.

### Technical Specifications
- **Mass**: 355 kilograms
- **Orbital Parameters**:
  - **Apoapsis**: 519 kilometers
  - **Periapsis**: 270 kilometers
  - **Orbital Period**: 92.2 minutes
  - **Inclination**: 49 degrees
- **Decay**: The satellite re-entered the atmosphere on March 30, 1964, after approximately seven months in orbit.

### Mission and Impact
Kosmos 19 supported the calibration of Soviet military radar systems, ensuring their accuracy and reliability. As part of the DS-P1 series, it was one of several satellites designed for this purpose, reflecting the Soviet Union's early focus on military applications of space technology. The satellite's relatively short operational life was typical of early Soviet satellite designs, which often had limited lifespans due to technological constraints.

### Historical Context
Launched during the Cold War, Kosmos 19 was part of the Soviet Union's broader efforts to develop space-based capabilities for military and scientific purposes. The satellite's launch and subsequent decay highlight the challenges and achievements of the Soviet space program in its early years. While not as prominent as later Soviet or international satellites, Kosmos 19 was a significant step in the Soviet Union's use of space technology for military applications.

## References

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