# Kosmos 359

> failed Soviet Venus probe

**Wikidata**: [Q4235066](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q4235066)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kosmos_359)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/kosmos-359

## Summary
Kosmos 359 was a failed Soviet Venus probe launched on August 22, 1970, as part of the Soviet Union's 3MV program. The mission ended prematurely, and the probe decayed from orbit on November 6, 1970.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: August 22, 1970
- **Launch Site**: Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 31
- **Launch Vehicle**: Molniya-M
- **Mission Status**: Failed
- **Orbit Decay**: November 6, 1970
- **Class**: 3MV (Soviet uncrewed probe design)
- **Operator**: Soviet Union
- **COSPAR ID**: 1970-065A
- **Type**: Space probe (unmanned robotic spacecraft)
- **Wikidata ID**: Q4501

## FAQs
### Q: What was Kosmos 359?
A: Kosmos 359 was a Soviet Venus probe launched on August 22, 1970, as part of the 3MV program. The mission failed, and the probe decayed from orbit on November 6, 1970.

### Q: Why did Kosmos 359 fail?
A: The source material does not specify the cause of the failure. The probe was classified as a failed mission.

### Q: What type of spacecraft was Kosmos 359?
A: Kosmos 359 was a 3MV-class uncrewed probe designed for Venus exploration.

### Q: Where was Kosmos 359 launched from?
A: The probe was launched from Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 31 using a Molniya-M rocket.

### Q: How long did Kosmos 359 remain in orbit?
A: The probe decayed from orbit on November 6, 1970, just over two months after launch.

## Why It Matters
Kosmos 359 was part of the Soviet Union's early efforts to explore Venus, a key milestone in space exploration. While the mission failed, it contributed to the broader Soviet space program's ambitions in planetary research. The 3MV program, of which Kosmos 359 was a part, aimed to study Venus' atmosphere and surface conditions. Despite the failure, such missions laid the groundwork for future Soviet and later international Venus exploration efforts. The probe's launch and subsequent decay highlight the challenges and risks inherent in early space exploration.

## Notable For
- **First Soviet Venus Probe**: One of the earliest Soviet attempts to explore Venus.
- **3MV Program**: Part of the Soviet 3MV series, designed for Venus missions.
- **Failed Mission**: Demonstrated the difficulties of early planetary exploration.
- **Molniya-M Launch**: Used the Molniya-M rocket, a Soviet space launcher.
- **Short Orbital Lifespan**: Decayed quickly, typical of early unmanned probes.

## Body
### Mission Overview
Kosmos 359 was launched on August 22, 1970, from Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 31 using a Molniya-M rocket. It was part of the Soviet 3MV program, which aimed to study Venus. The mission was classified as a failure, and the probe decayed from orbit on November 6, 1970.

### Design and Specifications
Kosmos 359 was a 3MV-class uncrewed probe, designed for Venus exploration. The 3MV series was part of the Soviet Union's efforts to conduct planetary research. The probe's exact specifications are not detailed in the source material.

### Launch and Orbit
The launch occurred at 05:06:09 UTC on August 22, 1970. The probe's orbital decay was recorded on November 6, 1970, marking the end of its operational lifespan.

### Significance
Kosmos 359 was significant as one of the earliest Soviet attempts to explore Venus. While the mission failed, it contributed to the broader Soviet space program's goals in planetary science. The 3MV program, of which Kosmos 359 was a part, aimed to gather data on Venus' atmosphere and surface.

### Legacy
Despite the failure, Kosmos 359's mission laid the groundwork for future Soviet and international Venus exploration efforts. The probe's launch and subsequent decay highlight the challenges and risks of early space exploration.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report