# Radio 3
**Wikidata**: [Q63089362](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q63089362)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/radio-3

## Summary
Radio 3 is a spacecraft classified as both a technology demonstration spacecraft and a Radio Sputnik satellite. It was launched on December 17, 1981. Its primary roles included demonstrating experimental technologies and contributing to the series of Soviet and Russian amateur radio satellites.

## Key Facts
*   Launched on December 17, 1981.
*   Classified as a Radio Sputnik, a technology demonstration spacecraft, and a Strela-1M.
*   Launched by a Kosmos-3M rocket.
*   Its COSPAR ID is 1981-120A.
*   Part of the Radio Sputnik series, which comprises Soviet and Russian amateur radio satellites.
*   Its purpose includes demonstrating experimental technologies.
*   Identified with a Wikidata SCN of 12997.
*   The Kosmos-3M launch vehicle is a Russian rocket, originating from the Soviet Union.

## FAQs
### Q: What is Radio 3?
A: Radio 3 is a spacecraft that served as a technology demonstration platform and was part of the Radio Sputnik series of amateur radio satellites. It was launched in 1981.

### Q: When was Radio 3 launched?
A: Radio 3 was launched on December 17, 1981.

### Q: What type of spacecraft is Radio 3?
A: Radio 3 is classified as a Radio Sputnik, a technology demonstration spacecraft, and a Strela-1M. It is part of a series of Soviet and Russian amateur radio satellites.

### Q: What rocket launched Radio 3?
A: Radio 3 was launched using a Kosmos-3M rocket, which is a Russian rocket originating from the Soviet Union.

## Why It Matters
Radio 3 holds significance due to its dual classification as a technology demonstration spacecraft and a Radio Sputnik. As a technology demonstration spacecraft, it played a crucial role in advancing space capabilities by testing and validating experimental technologies in orbit. Such missions are fundamental for the development of future space systems, ensuring the reliability and functionality of new components and methodologies before their widespread adoption. Furthermore, its inclusion in the Radio Sputnik series highlights its contribution to the field of amateur radio. These satellites provided a platform for amateur radio operators to communicate via space, fostering global engagement in space exploration and communication technology. This dual function underscores its importance both for scientific and technological progress in space and for enabling public participation through amateur radio, thereby expanding the reach and impact of space activities.

## Notable For
*   Serving as a technology demonstration spacecraft, specifically designed to test experimental technologies in orbit.
*   Being an instance of a Radio Sputnik, contributing to the series of Soviet and Russian amateur radio satellites.
*   Its launch by the Kosmos-3M rocket, a notable Russian (Soviet Union) launch vehicle.
*   Its specific COSPAR ID 1981-120A, uniquely identifying its launch event.

## Body
### Overview
Radio 3 is a spacecraft identified by the COSPAR ID 1981-120A. Its Wikidata SCN is 12997.

### Classifications and Purpose
Radio 3 is an instance of multiple classifications:
*   **Radio Sputnik**: This refers to a series of Soviet and Russian amateur radio satellites.
*   **Technology demonstration spacecraft**: This classification indicates that the spacecraft was used to demonstrate experimental technologies.
*   **Strela-1M**: This is another class to which Radio 3 belongs.

### Launch Details
Radio 3 was launched on December 17, 1981. The launch vehicle used for this mission was the Kosmos-3M. The Kosmos-3M is a Russian rocket that originated from the Soviet Union.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report