# Mars 4

> space probe

**Wikidata**: [Q1067650](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1067650)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mars_4)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/mars-4

## Summary
Mars 4 was a Soviet space probe launched on July 21, 1973, as part of the Mars program. It was designed to study the Martian atmosphere and surface, though it failed to achieve its mission objectives. The probe was operated by NPO Lavochkin and launched aboard a Proton-K rocket from the Baikonur Cosmodrome.

## Key Facts
- **Launch date**: July 21, 1973
- **Launch vehicle**: Proton-K
- **Launch site**: Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 81/23
- **Operator**: NPO Lavochkin
- **Classification**: Space probe, artificial satellite of the Sun
- **COSPAR ID**: 1973-047A
- **NSSDCA ID**: 1973-047A
- **Mission status**: Failed to achieve mission objectives

## FAQs
### Q: What was the purpose of the Mars 4 mission?
A: Mars 4 was designed to study the Martian atmosphere and surface, but it failed to achieve its mission objectives.

### Q: Who operated the Mars 4 probe?
A: The Mars 4 probe was operated by NPO Lavochkin, a Soviet aerospace company.

### Q: What was the launch vehicle for Mars 4?
A: Mars 4 was launched aboard a Proton-K rocket from the Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 81/23.

### Q: Was Mars 4 successful in its mission?
A: No, Mars 4 failed to achieve its mission objectives and is classified as a failed mission.

### Q: What is the COSPAR ID for Mars 4?
A: The COSPAR ID for Mars 4 is 1973-047A.

## Why It Matters
Mars 4 was part of the Soviet Mars program, which aimed to explore the Martian environment. Despite its failure, the mission contributed to the broader understanding of interplanetary travel and the challenges of robotic exploration. The probe's launch and subsequent failure provided valuable data for future missions, demonstrating the complexities of space exploration. The mission also highlighted the advancements in Soviet space technology, particularly in rocket design and spacecraft engineering.

## Notable For
- **Failed mission**: Mars 4 was one of several Soviet Mars probes that failed to achieve their mission objectives.
- **Part of the Mars program**: It was launched as part of the Soviet Mars program, which included multiple probes.
- **Operated by NPO Lavochkin**: The probe was developed and operated by NPO Lavochkin, a key Soviet aerospace company.
- **Launched on Proton-K**: The mission utilized the Proton-K rocket, a significant Soviet carrier rocket.
- **Baikonur Cosmodrome launch**: Mars 4 was launched from Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 81/23, a major Soviet spaceport.

## Body
### Mission Overview
Mars 4 was a Soviet space probe launched on July 21, 1973, as part of the Mars program. The mission aimed to study the Martian atmosphere and surface but failed to achieve its objectives. The probe was operated by NPO Lavochkin and launched aboard a Proton-K rocket from the Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 81/23.

### Launch and Specifications
- **Launch date**: July 21, 1973
- **Launch vehicle**: Proton-K
- **Launch site**: Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 81/23
- **Operator**: NPO Lavochkin
- **COSPAR ID**: 1973-047A
- **NSSDCA ID**: 1973-047A

### Mission Status
Mars 4 is classified as a failed mission. Despite its launch, the probe did not achieve its mission objectives, contributing to the broader understanding of space exploration challenges.

### Significance
Mars 4 was part of the Soviet Mars program, which included multiple probes aimed at exploring the Martian environment. The mission provided valuable data for future space exploration efforts, demonstrating the complexities and risks of interplanetary travel. The probe's development and operation by NPO Lavochkin highlighted the advancements in Soviet space technology.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report