# Kosmos 421

> Soviet satellite launched in 1971

**Wikidata**: [Q53539](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q53539)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kosmos_421)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/kosmos-421

## Summary
Kosmos 421 was a Soviet satellite launched in 1971 from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome using a Kosmos-2I rocket, operating in low Earth orbit with an apogee of 445 km and perigee of 266 km.

## Key Facts
- Launched on May 19, 1971 from Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 133
- Operated in low Earth orbit with an orbital period of 91.65 minutes
- Had an apogee of 445 km and perigee of 266 km
- Had an orbital inclination of 70.9 degrees
- Had a mass of 325 kg at launch
- Was manufactured by the Pivdenne Design Office
- Was classified as a DSZ-P1-Ju satellite
- Used the Kosmos-2I rocket as its launch vehicle
- Its COSPAR ID was 1971-044A

## FAQs
### Q: When was Kosmos 421 launched?
A: Kosmos 421 was launched on May 19, 1971 from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome.

### Q: What was the orbital characteristics of Kosmos 421?
A: Kosmos 421 orbited Earth in low Earth orbit with an apogee of 445 km, perigee of 266 km, inclination of 70.9 degrees, and orbital period of 91.65 minutes.

### Q: What was the launch vehicle for Kosmos 421?
A: The launch vehicle for Kosmos 421 was the Kosmos-2I rocket.

## Why It Matters
Kosmos 421 represents a typical Soviet satellite from the early 1970s, illustrating the Soviet Union's ongoing space program during this period. While the specific scientific or military purpose of this particular satellite isn't detailed in the source material, it contributed to the broader Soviet space efforts and demonstrated technological capabilities in satellite deployment and orbital operations. The satellite's orbital parameters and design reflect the engineering standards of the time and provide insight into Soviet space technology development during the Cold War era.

## Notable For
- Operated in low Earth orbit with a relatively high orbital inclination of 70.9 degrees
- Had a moderate orbital period of 91.65 minutes, typical for satellites in this class
- Featured a mass of 325 kg, which was substantial for its class of satellites
- Was part of the DSZ-P1-Ju satellite class, indicating it belonged to a specific Soviet satellite program
- Utilized the Kosmos-2I launch vehicle, which was a common carrier rocket for Soviet satellites during this period

## Body
### Technical Specifications
Kosmos 421 was a Soviet satellite classified as a DSZ-P1-Ju, with a mass of 325 kilograms at launch. It was manufactured by the Pivdenne Design Office and launched using a Kosmos-2I rocket from Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 133 on May 19, 1971. The satellite's COSPAR ID was 1971-044A.

### Orbital Characteristics
The satellite operated in low Earth orbit with specific orbital parameters:
- Perigee (closest approach to Earth): 266 kilometers
- Apogee (farthest distance from Earth): 445 kilometers
- Orbital inclination: 70.9 degrees
- Orbital period: 91.65 minutes

These parameters placed it in a typical low Earth orbit used for various scientific and military applications during the Cold War era.

### Mission Timeline
The satellite's operational timeline included:
- Launch on May 19, 1971 at approximately 10:20 UTC
- Atmospheric entry on November 8, 1971

The source material indicates these were the primary significant events in the satellite's mission history.

## References

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