# Kosmos 25

> Soviet artificial satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q51578](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q51578)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kosmos_25)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/kosmos-25

## Summary
Kosmos 25 was a Soviet artificial satellite launched on February 27, 1964, as part of the DS-P1 program. It was a radar calibration satellite designed to test and calibrate space-based radar systems, operating in a low Earth orbit with an orbital period of 92.27 minutes.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: February 27, 1964
- **Launch Site**: Kapustin Yar, Soviet Union
- **Mass**: 355 kilograms
- **Orbital Period**: 92.27 minutes
- **Apoapsis**: 526 kilometers
- **Periapsis**: 272 kilometers
- **Orbital Inclination**: 49 degrees
- **Orbital Eccentricity**: 0.02
- **Launch Vehicle**: Kosmos 63S1 or Kosmos-2I
- **Manufacturer**: Pivdenne Design Office
- **Classification**: DS-P1 satellite (radar calibration)
- **COSPAR ID**: 1964-010A

## FAQs
### Q: What was the purpose of Kosmos 25?
A: Kosmos 25 was a radar calibration satellite designed to test and calibrate space-based radar systems, contributing to the Soviet Union's early efforts in space-based surveillance and reconnaissance.

### Q: Which launch vehicle was used to deploy Kosmos 25?
A: Kosmos 25 was launched using either the Kosmos 63S1 or Kosmos-2I carrier rocket, both of which were part of the Soviet Union's early satellite launch capabilities.

### Q: What was the orbital altitude of Kosmos 25?
A: Kosmos 25 operated in a low Earth orbit with an apoapsis of 526 kilometers and a periapsis of 272 kilometers, completing an orbit every 92.27 minutes.

### Q: Who manufactured Kosmos 25?
A: The satellite was manufactured by the Pivdenne Design Office, a key organization in the Soviet space program.

### Q: What was the significance of the DS-P1 program?
A: The DS-P1 program was a series of Soviet radar calibration satellites that played a crucial role in developing and testing space-based radar systems, which were later used for military and scientific purposes.

## Why It Matters
Kosmos 25 was a pivotal satellite in the Soviet Union's early space program, particularly in the field of radar calibration. As part of the DS-P1 series, it contributed to the development of space-based surveillance and reconnaissance technologies. The satellite's successful deployment and operation provided valuable data for calibrating radar systems in space, which were essential for both military and scientific applications. Its launch also demonstrated the Soviet Union's growing capability in satellite technology and orbital mechanics. The DS-P1 program, of which Kosmos 25 was a part, laid the groundwork for future Soviet space-based radar systems, showcasing the nation's advancements in space exploration and defense technologies.

## Notable For
- **First of its kind**: Kosmos 25 was one of the earliest Soviet satellites dedicated to radar calibration, paving the way for more advanced space-based radar systems.
- **Low Earth Orbit**: Its orbital parameters—526 km apoapsis and 272 km periapsis—were typical for early Soviet radar calibration satellites.
- **Military significance**: The DS-P1 program, including Kosmos 25, was part of the Soviet Union's efforts to develop space-based surveillance capabilities.
- **Technological milestone**: The satellite's successful operation contributed to the Soviet Union's growing expertise in satellite-based radar technology.
- **Historical context**: Kosmos 25 was launched during the Cold War, reflecting the Soviet Union's competitive space race with the United States.

## Body
### Overview
Kosmos 25 was a Soviet artificial satellite launched on February 27, 1964, from the Kapustin Yar launch site. It was part of the DS-P1 program, a series of radar calibration satellites designed to test and calibrate space-based radar systems. The satellite had a mass of 355 kilograms and operated in a low Earth orbit with an orbital period of 92.27 minutes.

### Launch and Deployment
Kosmos 25 was launched using either the Kosmos 63S1 or Kosmos-2I carrier rocket, both of which were part of the Soviet Union's early satellite launch capabilities. The launch occurred at 13:30:00 UTC on February 27, 1964, from Kapustin Yar. The satellite was successfully deployed into its intended orbit, where it began its mission.

### Orbital Characteristics
The satellite's orbit had an apoapsis of 526 kilometers and a periapsis of 272 kilometers, with an orbital inclination of 49 degrees and an eccentricity of 0.02. These parameters were typical for early Soviet radar calibration satellites, which required precise orbital control to ensure accurate radar calibration.

### Mission and Significance
Kosmos 25 was primarily used for radar calibration, a critical task for the Soviet Union's space-based surveillance and reconnaissance programs. The DS-P1 program, of which Kosmos 25 was a part, played a significant role in developing and testing space-based radar systems. The satellite's successful operation provided valuable data for calibrating radar systems in space, which were essential for both military and scientific applications.

### Historical Context
Kosmos 25 was launched during the Cold War, reflecting the Soviet Union's competitive space race with the United States. The satellite's mission was part of the broader Soviet efforts to develop advanced space-based technologies, including radar systems. The DS-P1 program, including Kosmos 25, laid the groundwork for future Soviet space-based radar systems, showcasing the nation's advancements in space exploration and defense technologies.

### Legacy
Kosmos 25 remains a notable example of the Soviet Union's early satellite technology and its contributions to space-based radar calibration. The satellite's mission and the DS-P1 program as a whole have historical significance in the development of space-based surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities. The satellite's successful deployment and operation demonstrated the Soviet Union's growing expertise in satellite-based radar technology, which continues to influence modern space-based surveillance systems.

## References

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