# Kosmos 268

> Soviet satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q53027](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q53027)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kosmos_268)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/kosmos-268

## Summary
Kosmos 268 was a Soviet satellite launched on March 5, 1969, as part of the DS-P1-Yu program for radar cross-section calibration. It was deployed using a Kosmos-2I rocket from Kapustin Yar and operated until its decay on April 7, 1970. The satellite played a role in testing radar systems for military applications.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: March 5, 1969, at 13:04:55 UTC.
- **COSPAR ID**: 1969-020A.
- **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN)**: 03773.
- **Manufacturer**: Pivdenne Design Office (Soviet Union).
- **Launch Vehicle**: Kosmos-2I, a superseded Soviet carrier rocket.
- **Mission**: Radar cross-section calibration for military radar testing.
- **Decay Date**: Re-entered Earth's atmosphere on April 7, 1970.
- **Class**: DS-P1-Yu (DSZ–P1–Ju), a series of calibration satellites.

## FAQs
### Q: What was the purpose of Kosmos 268?
A: Kosmos 268 was designed for radar cross-section calibration, helping to test and calibrate Soviet radar systems for military use.

### Q: Where and when was Kosmos 268 launched?
A: The satellite launched on March 5, 1969, at 13:04:55 UTC from the Kapustin Yar space facility in the Soviet Union.

### Q: How long did Kosmos 268 remain operational?
A: It operated for approximately one year before decaying from orbit on April 7, 1970.

## Why It Matters
Kosmos 268 contributed to the Soviet Union’s efforts to refine radar technology during the Cold War. As part of the DS-P1-Yu series, it supported military objectives by providing data to calibrate radar systems, ensuring their accuracy and effectiveness. While short-lived, its mission reflects the broader strategic importance of space-based assets in military preparedness. The satellite’s role in a standardized program highlights the systematic approach of Soviet space activities, emphasizing repetition and incremental improvement in satellite technology.

## Notable For
- **DS-P1-Yu Series Membership**: Part of a prolific class of calibration satellites (18th in the series).
- **Short Orbital Lifespan**: Decay after ~13 months due to low Earth orbit.
- **Military Focus**: Direct support for ground-based radar system development.
- **Kosmos-2I Rocket Deployment**: Utilized a rocket later superseded by more advanced launch vehicles.

## Body
### Launch Details
- **Date/Time**: March 5, 1969, at 13:04:55 UTC.
- **Site**: Kapustin Yar, a Soviet space launch facility.
- **Vehicle**: Kosmos-2I (a two-stage rocket derived from the R-12 missile).

### Mission Objective
- **Primary Role**: Radar cross-section calibration to test radar systems.
- **Military Context**: Part of efforts to ensure radar accuracy for defense applications.

### Satellite Characteristics
- **Class**: DS-P1-Yu, a standardized satellite design for calibration missions.
- **Identifiers**: 
  - SCN: 03773.
  - COSPAR ID: 1969-020A.
- **Manufacturer**: Pivdenne Design Office, a key Soviet engineering bureau.

### Decay and Legacy
- **Decay Date**: April 7, 1970, due to atmospheric drag in low Earth orbit.
- **Program Impact**: Represented a routine yet critical component of Soviet space-based military infrastructure.

## References

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