# Prognoz 7

> This spacecraft was a member of a continuing series to measure charged particles, plasma, magnetic fields, and solar electromagnetic radiation

**Wikidata**: [Q111855979](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q111855979)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/prognoz-7

## Summary
Prognoz 7 was a Soviet scientific research satellite launched on October 30, 1978. As part of the continuing Prognoz series, its primary mission was to study the Sun's magnetic field by measuring charged particles, plasma, magnetic fields, and solar electromagnetic radiation.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date:** October 30, 1978
- **COSPAR ID:** 1978-101A
- **NSSDCA ID:** 1978-101A
- **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN):** 11088
- **Class/System:** Prognoz series
- **Launch Vehicle:** Molniya-M
- **Operator:** Soviet Union
- **Primary Subject of Study:** Sun's magnetic field
- **Alternate Name:** Prognoz7

## FAQs
### Q: What was the primary purpose of the Prognoz 7 mission?
A: Prognoz 7 was designed to measure charged particles, plasma, magnetic fields, and solar electromagnetic radiation. Its main scientific subject was the study of the Sun's magnetic field.

### Q: When was Prognoz 7 launched?
A: Prognoz 7 was launched on October 30, 1978.

### Q: What rocket was used to launch Prognoz 7?
A: The spacecraft was launched using a Molniya-M rocket, a common Soviet space launcher used for this series.

## Why It Matters
Prognoz 7 represents a specific era of sustained Soviet commitment to heliophysics and space environment monitoring. As a component of the broader Prognoz series, this spacecraft contributed to a continuous dataset regarding the Sun's influence on the near-Earth environment. By specifically targeting the Sun's magnetic field alongside charged particles and plasma, the mission helped scientists understand the dynamics of solar activity and its propagation through the solar system.

The use of the Molniya-M launch vehicle for this mission places it within a significant lineage of Soviet space infrastructure, utilizing reliable launch systems to deploy scientific payloads. The data gathered regarding solar electromagnetic radiation and magnetic fields during the late 1970s would have been essential for understanding space weather phenomena, which impacts both satellite operations and terrestrial communications.

## Notable For
- Being a dedicated platform for studying the **Sun's magnetic field**.
- Membership in the **Prognoz series**, a specialized class of Soviet scientific research satellites.
- Utilizing the **Molniya-M** launch vehicle.
- Carrying a comprehensive sensor suite capable of measuring **charged particles, plasma, and electromagnetic radiation** simultaneously.

## Body
### Mission and Objectives
Prognoz 7 was an instance of the Prognoz class of satellites. Its mission profile was defined by the need to measure specific space environment parameters. The spacecraft was equipped to analyze:
*   Charged particles
*   Plasma
*   Magnetic fields
*   Solar electromagnetic radiation

The designation of "Sun's magnetic field" as the main subject indicates a specialized focus within the broader scope of solar observation.

### Launch and Identification
The spacecraft was successfully launched on **October 30, 1978**. It was assigned the international identifier **1978-101A** (COSPAR ID) and the National Space Science Data Center ID **1978-101A**. In satellite tracking catalogs, it is listed under number **11088**.

The launch was executed using a **Molniya-M** rocket, a four-stage launch vehicle derived from the R-7 Semyorka family, which was frequently employed for lunar and interplanetary missions as well as high-elliptic orbit scientific satellites like those in the Prognoz series.

### Classification
Prognoz 7 is officially classified as an **instance_of** the Prognoz series. It is associated with the **Soviet Union** and **Russia** in historical records regarding its origin and development lineage.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report