# Kosmos 300

> failed Soviet lunar sample-return mission (1969)

**Wikidata**: [Q387190](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q387190)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kosmos_300)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/kosmos-300

Here’s the structured knowledge entry for **Kosmos 300** based on the provided source material:

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## Summary  
Kosmos 300 was a failed Soviet lunar sample-return mission launched in 1969. It was an unmanned space probe intended to collect and return lunar soil to Earth but did not achieve its objective due to a launch vehicle failure. The mission was part of the USSR's efforts to compete with the United States in lunar exploration during the Space Race.

## Key Facts  
- **Launch Date**: September 23, 1969, at 14:07:36 UTC.  
- **Launch Vehicle**: Proton-K carrier rocket.  
- **Launch Site**: Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 81/24.  
- **Mass**: 5,600 kilograms.  
- **Mission Type**: Lunar sample-return (failed).  
- **COSPAR ID**: 1969-080A.  
- **NSSDCA ID**: 1969-080A.  
- **Spacecraft Class**: Unmanned space probe.  
- **SCN (Satellite Catalog Number)**: 04104.  

## FAQs  
### Q: What was the purpose of Kosmos 300?  
A: Kosmos 300 was designed as a lunar sample-return mission, aiming to collect and bring back lunar soil to Earth, but it failed to leave Earth's orbit.  

### Q: Why did Kosmos 300 fail?  
A: The mission failed due to a malfunction in the Proton-K launch vehicle, preventing the probe from reaching the Moon.  

### Q: How does Kosmos 300 relate to other Soviet lunar missions?  
A: It was part of a series of Soviet attempts to retrieve lunar samples, preceding the successful Luna 16 mission in 1970.  

## Why It Matters  
Kosmos 300 represents a critical moment in the Space Race, highlighting the USSR's ambitious but technically challenging efforts to outperform the United States in lunar exploration. Although it failed, the mission contributed to the development of later successful sample-return missions like Luna 16. Its launch marked another step in the Cold War-era competition for space dominance, demonstrating the technological hurdles faced by both superpowers.  

## Notable For  
- **Early Attempt**: One of the first Soviet lunar sample-return missions.  
- **Proton-K Rocket**: Used the Proton-K launch vehicle, a workhorse of Soviet space exploration.  
- **Precursor to Success**: Paved the way for Luna 16, the first automated lunar sample-return mission.  

## Body  
### Mission Overview  
- Kosmos 300 was launched on September 23, 1969, as part of the Soviet Luna program.  
- The probe was designed to land on the Moon, collect soil samples, and return them to Earth.  

### Technical Specifications  
- **Mass**: 5,600 kg.  
- **Launch Vehicle**: Proton-K (failed to achieve trans-lunar injection).  
- **Orbit**: Remained in Earth's orbit due to launch failure.  

### Launch Details  
- **Time**: 14:07:36 UTC.  
- **Site**: Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 81/24.  

### Legacy  
- Despite its failure, Kosmos 300 provided valuable data for subsequent missions.  
- The mission underscored the challenges of robotic lunar exploration during the Space Race.  

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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