# Kosmos 357

> Soviet satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q53500](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q53500)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kosmos_357)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/kosmos-357

## Summary
Kosmos 357 was a Soviet satellite launched on August 19, 1970, as part of the DS-P1-Yu program for radar cross-section calibration. It was deployed using a Kosmos-2I rocket from Plesetsk Cosmodrome and operated until its decay on November 19, 1971. The satellite played a role in testing and calibrating Soviet radar systems.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: August 19, 1970, at 14:59:53 UTC from Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 133.
- **COSPAR ID**: 1970-063A; **SCN**: 04495.
- **Manufacturer**: Pivdenne Design Office (Soviet Union).
- **Launch Vehicle**: Kosmos-2I, a superseded Soviet carrier rocket.
- **Class**: DS-P1-Yu (radar calibration satellite); also designated DS-P1-Yu No.40.
- **Decay Date**: Re-entered Earth's atmosphere on November 19, 1971.
- **Mission Purpose**: Radar cross-section calibration for Soviet defense systems.

## FAQs
### Q: When was Kosmos 357 launched?
A: Kosmos 357 was launched on August 19, 1970, at 14:59:53 UTC from Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 133 aboard a Kosmos-2I rocket.

### Q: What was the purpose of Kosmos 357?
A: The satellite was part of the DS-P1-Yu program, designed to calibrate radar cross-sections for Soviet military and scientific applications.

### Q: How long did Kosmos 357 remain in orbit?
A: It operated until November 19, 1971, when it decayed and re-entered Earth's atmosphere.

## Why It Matters
Kosmos 357 was a critical component of the Soviet Union’s efforts to refine radar technology during the Cold War. As part of the DS-P1-Yu series, it supported the calibration of radar systems used for military surveillance and defense, ensuring the accuracy of detection and tracking capabilities. Its launch on a Kosmos-2I rocket also highlighted the reliability of Soviet launch vehicles for deploying small satellites. While individual DS-P1-Yu satellites like Kosmos 357 had short lifespans, the program collectively contributed to advancements in radar intelligence and space-based reconnaissance, underscoring its role in broader Soviet strategic initiatives.

## Notable For
- **Radar Calibration Mission**: Designed to test and calibrate radar cross-sections, critical for Soviet defense systems.
- **DS-P1-Yu Class Membership**: Part of a series of satellites (DS-P1-Yu) focused on radar intelligence and electronic warfare support.
- **Kosmos-2I Launch Vehicle**: Utilized a rocket model widely used for small satellite deployments during the 1960s–1970s.
- **Short Orbital Lifespan**: Operated for approximately 15 months before decaying, typical of low-Earth orbit satellites of its era.

## Body
### Launch Details
- **Date/Time**: August 19, 1970, at 14:59:53 UTC.
- **Site**: Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 133 (Soviet Union).
- **Rocket**: Kosmos-2I (superseded carrier rocket model).

### Satellite Specifications
- **Class**: DS-P1-Yu (radar calibration satellite).
- **Manufacturer**: Pivdenne Design Office.
- **Identifiers**: COSPAR ID 1970-063A, SCN 04495.

### Mission Purpose
Kosmos 357 was tasked with calibrating radar cross-sections to support the development and testing of Soviet radar systems. This involved transmitting signals to ground stations to measure detection accuracy and response times, critical for military and scientific applications.

### Legacy
- **Decay**: Re-entered Earth’s atmosphere on November 19, 1971.
- **Program Context**: One of numerous DS-P1-Yu satellites launched between 1966–1983, reflecting the Soviet emphasis on space-based radar intelligence during the Cold War.

## References

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