# Kosmos 213

> spacecraft

**Wikidata**: [Q830194](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q830194)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kosmos_213)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/kosmos-213

## Summary
Kosmos 213 was an uncrewed Soviet spacecraft launched on April 15, 1968, as part of the Soyuz programme. It was a test flight of the Soyuz 7K-OK spacecraft, designed to evaluate its performance in low Earth orbit before crewed missions.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: April 15, 1968
- **Launch Site**: Baikonur Cosmodrome (Gagarin's Start)
- **Launch Vehicle**: Soyuz
- **Spacecraft Type**: Soyuz 7K-OK (uncrewed)
- **Orbit**: Low Earth orbit (LEO)
- **Apoapsis**: 245 km
- **Periapsis**: 193 km
- **Orbital Period**: 89.16 minutes
- **Duration**: 7,237 minutes (120.6 hours)
- **Operator**: Soviet space program
- **Landing Location**: Kazakhstan
- **COSPAR ID**: 1968-030A

## FAQs
### Q: What was the purpose of Kosmos 213?
A: Kosmos 213 was an uncrewed test flight of the Soyuz 7K-OK spacecraft to evaluate its performance in orbit before crewed missions.

### Q: What was the Soyuz 7K-OK spacecraft?
A: The Soyuz 7K-OK was the first generation of the Soyuz spacecraft, designed for the Soviet space programme. It was used for early crewed missions and test flights.

### Q: Where was Kosmos 213 launched from?
A: Kosmos 213 was launched from Baikonur Cosmodrome, specifically from Gagarin's Start, a launch pad at the site.

### Q: How long did Kosmos 213 remain in orbit?
A: Kosmos 213 remained in orbit for 7,237 minutes (approximately 120.6 hours) before re-entering the atmosphere.

### Q: What was the significance of Kosmos 213?
A: Kosmos 213 was significant as it was the first uncrewed test flight of the Soyuz 7K-OK spacecraft, paving the way for future crewed missions in the Soyuz programme.

## Why It Matters
Kosmos 213 played a crucial role in the development of the Soyuz spacecraft, which became a cornerstone of the Soviet space programme. As an uncrewed test flight, it allowed engineers to assess the spacecraft's performance in orbit, including its orbital mechanics, thermal protection, and communication systems. The success of Kosmos 213 validated the Soyuz 7K-OK design, leading to its use in subsequent crewed missions, such as Soyuz 1 and Soyuz 2. This mission demonstrated the reliability of the Soyuz spacecraft, which later supported the Apollo-Soyuz Test Project and the Salyut space stations. By proving the spacecraft's capabilities, Kosmos 213 ensured the Soyuz programme's continued success in human spaceflight and scientific research.

## Notable For
- **First Uncrewed Test Flight**: Kosmos 213 was the first uncrewed flight of the Soyuz 7K-OK spacecraft, testing its systems before crewed missions.
- **Orbital Validation**: It successfully demonstrated the spacecraft's ability to maintain a stable low Earth orbit.
- **Pioneering Soyuz Programme**: The mission contributed to the development of the Soyuz spacecraft, which became a key vehicle for the Soviet space programme.
- **Precursor to Crewed Missions**: The data from Kosmos 213 informed the design and safety protocols for later crewed Soyuz flights.
- **International Collaboration**: The Soyuz spacecraft, including Kosmos 213, later supported the Apollo-Soyuz Test Project, a historic joint mission with the United States.

## Body
### Mission Overview
Kosmos 213 was launched on April 15, 1968, from Baikonur Cosmodrome using a Soyuz launch vehicle. The spacecraft was part of the Soyuz programme, which aimed to develop a reliable crewed spacecraft. The mission was uncrewed, serving as a test flight to evaluate the Soyuz 7K-OK's performance in orbit.

### Spacecraft Design
The Soyuz 7K-OK was the first generation of the Soyuz spacecraft, designed for the Soviet space programme. It featured a takeoff mass of 6,530 kilograms and was equipped with systems for orbital navigation, communication, and thermal control. The spacecraft was designed to support crewed missions, but Kosmos 213 was used to test its uncrewed capabilities.

### Orbital Parameters
Kosmos 213 achieved a low Earth orbit with an apoapsis of 245 kilometres and a periapsis of 193 kilometres. The orbital period was 89.16 minutes, and the orbital inclination was 51.4 degrees. The spacecraft remained in orbit for 7,237 minutes before re-entering the atmosphere over Kazakhstan.

### Significance
Kosmos 213 was a critical step in the Soyuz programme, demonstrating the spacecraft's ability to function in orbit. The mission provided valuable data on the Soyuz 7K-OK's performance, which was used to refine the design for future crewed missions. The success of Kosmos 213 paved the way for the first crewed Soyuz missions, including Soyuz 1 and Soyuz 2.

### Legacy
The Soyuz spacecraft, including Kosmos 213, became a key vehicle for the Soviet space programme. It supported the Apollo-Soyuz Test Project, a historic joint mission with the United States, and later missions to the Salyut space stations. The Soyuz programme's success ensured the Soviet Union's leadership in human spaceflight during the Cold War era.

## References

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