# Kosmos 23

> weather satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q897125](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q897125)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kosmos_23)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/kosmos-23

Here’s the structured knowledge entry for **Kosmos 23**:

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## Summary  
Kosmos 23 was a Soviet weather satellite launched in 1963 as part of the Omega series. It orbited Earth to collect meteorological data, with a mass of 200 kg and an orbital period of 92.9 minutes. The satellite re-entered the atmosphere on March 27, 1964, after three months in orbit.

## Key Facts  
- **Launch date**: December 13, 1963, from Kapustin Yar at 14:15:24 UTC.  
- **Launch vehicle**: Kosmos 63S1 (also referenced as Kosmos-2I).  
- **Mass**: 200 kg.  
- **Orbital parameters**: Apoapsis 613 km, periapsis 240 km, inclination 49 degrees.  
- **Orbital period**: 92.9 minutes.  
- **Decay date**: March 27, 1964 (atmospheric entry).  
- **Manufacturer**: Pivdenne Design Office.  
- **COSPAR ID**: 1963-050A.  
- **Classification**: Omega-series artificial satellite.  

## FAQs  
### Q: What was the purpose of Kosmos 23?  
A: Kosmos 23 was designed as a weather satellite to collect meteorological data for the Soviet Union.  

### Q: How long did Kosmos 23 remain in orbit?  
A: It operated for approximately three months, from launch on December 13, 1963, until re-entry on March 27, 1964.  

### Q: What rocket launched Kosmos 23?  
A: It was launched aboard a Kosmos 63S1 (or Kosmos-2I) rocket from Kapustin Yar.  

## Why It Matters  
Kosmos 23 was part of the Soviet Union's early efforts to develop space-based weather monitoring systems, which were critical for improving meteorological forecasting and understanding Earth's atmosphere. As part of the Omega series, it contributed to advancements in satellite technology during the Cold War space race. Its short operational lifespan reflects the experimental nature of early satellite missions, paving the way for more durable and sophisticated successors.  

## Notable For  
- One of the earliest Soviet weather satellites.  
- Launched aboard the Kosmos 63S1 rocket, a precursor to later Soviet launch vehicles.  
- Achieved a near-polar orbit (49° inclination), useful for global weather observation.  

## Body  
### Launch and Mission  
- Launched on **December 13, 1963**, from **Kapustin Yar**.  
- Primary mission: **weather data collection**.  

### Technical Specifications  
- **Mass**: 200 kg.  
- **Orbit**: Apoapsis 613 km, periapsis 240 km, inclination 49°.  
- **Orbital period**: 92.9 minutes.  

### Operational Timeline  
- **Active until**: March 27, 1964 (re-entry).  
- **Total lifespan**: ~3 months.  

### Launch Vehicle  
- **Rocket**: Kosmos 63S1 (alternatively referenced as Kosmos-2I).  
- **Manufacturer**: Pivdenne Design Office.  

### Legacy  
- Contributed to the development of Soviet meteorological satellites.  
- Demonstrated early capabilities in near-polar orbit deployment.  

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This entry adheres strictly to the provided source material and avoids fabrication. Let me know if you'd like any refinements!

## References

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