# Kosmos 419

> Failed Soviet Mars orbiter

**Wikidata**: [Q2503206](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q2503206)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kosmos_419)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/kosmos-419

## Summary
Kosmos 419 was a failed Soviet Mars orbiter launched in 1971. It was intended to study Mars but never left Earth's orbit due to a propulsion system malfunction. The mission was part of the Soviet Union's broader Mars exploration program.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: May 10, 1971, from Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 81/23.  
- **Launch Vehicle**: Proton-K carrier rocket.  
- **COSPAR ID**: 1971-042A.  
- **Mission Type**: Unmanned space probe (Mars orbiter).  
- **Outcome**: Failed to leave Earth's orbit due to a propulsion system issue.  
- **Alternate Names**: Also known as Mars 1971C or 火星2D號.  
- **Significant Event**: Rocket launch occurred at 16:58:42 UTC on May 10, 1971.  

## FAQs
### Q: Why did Kosmos 419 fail?  
A: The mission failed because the spacecraft's propulsion system malfunctioned, preventing it from escaping Earth's orbit.  

### Q: What was the purpose of Kosmos 419?  
A: It was designed as a Mars orbiter to study the planet's atmosphere and surface, part of the Soviet Union's Mars exploration efforts.  

### Q: How long did Kosmos 419 remain in orbit?  
A: The spacecraft re-entered Earth's atmosphere just two days after launch, on May 12, 1971.  

## Why It Matters  
Kosmos 419 represents an early attempt by the Soviet Union to explore Mars, highlighting the challenges of interplanetary missions during the Cold War space race. Despite its failure, the mission provided valuable lessons in spacecraft design and propulsion systems, influencing subsequent Mars missions. The probe's rapid re-entry also underscored the importance of reliable engineering for deep-space exploration. Its legacy is tied to the broader context of Soviet space ambitions and the technological hurdles of the era.  

## Notable For  
- **Early Mars Mission**: One of the Soviet Union's first attempts to send an orbiter to Mars.  
- **Propulsion Failure**: Its malfunction demonstrated the technical difficulties of interplanetary travel.  
- **Short Lifespan**: Lasted only two days in orbit before re-entering Earth's atmosphere.  

## Body  
### Mission Overview  
- Kosmos 419 was launched on May 10, 1971, as part of the Soviet Mars program.  
- Intended to orbit Mars and conduct scientific observations.  

### Technical Details  
- **Launch Vehicle**: Proton-K, a Soviet heavy-lift rocket.  
- **Launch Site**: Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 81/23.  
- **Failure Cause**: A programming error prevented the upper stage from igniting properly.  

### Aftermath  
- The spacecraft re-entered Earth's atmosphere on May 12, 1971.  
- The failure led to design improvements in subsequent Soviet Mars missions.

## References

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