# Radio 8
**Wikidata**: [Q63089376](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q63089376)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/radio-8

## Summary
Radio 8 is a Soviet and Russian amateur radio satellite, part of the Radio Sputnik series and classified under the Strela-1M class. It was launched on December 17, 1981, using a Kosmos-3M rocket, and is identified by its COSPAR ID 1981-120F.

## Key Facts
- **Instance of**: Radio Sputnik and Strela-1M satellite class
- **Launch date**: December 17, 1981
- **Launch vehicle**: Kosmos-3M rocket
- **COSPAR ID**: 1981-120F
- **SCN (NORAD ID)**: 13002
- **Country of origin**: Soviet Union (later Russia)
- **Wikipedia availability**: German language only
- **Sitelink count**: 1

## FAQs
### Q: What type of satellite is Radio 8?
A: Radio 8 is an amateur radio satellite belonging to the Radio Sputnik series and classified under the Strela-1M satellite class.

### Q: When was Radio 8 launched?
A: Radio 8 was launched on December 17, 1981, using a Kosmos-3M rocket.

### Q: What is the COSPAR ID of Radio 8?
A: The COSPAR ID for Radio 8 is 1981-120F.

### Q: Is Radio 8 still operational?
A: The source material does not provide operational status; further research is needed.

### Q: What was the launch vehicle for Radio 8?
A: Radio 8 was launched using a Kosmos-3M rocket.

## Why It Matters
Radio 8 is significant as part of the Radio Sputnik series, which played a role in Soviet and later Russian space-based amateur radio communications. As an amateur radio satellite, it contributed to experimental and educational radio communications, allowing enthusiasts to transmit and receive signals from space. Its classification under Strela-1M highlights its connection to a specific satellite family, reflecting the Soviet Union's advancements in space technology during the Cold War era. While its exact operational details are limited, Radio 8 remains a notable entry in the history of space-based amateur radio.

## Notable For
- **Part of the Radio Sputnik series**: A key satellite family in Soviet/Russian amateur radio communications.
- **Strela-1M classification**: Belongs to a specific satellite class, indicating its design and purpose.
- **COSPAR ID 1981-120F**: A unique identifier for tracking and cataloging space objects.
- **Kosmos-3M launch vehicle**: Demonstrates the Soviet Union's reliance on this rocket for satellite deployments.
- **German Wikipedia entry**: Limited documentation suggests Radio 8 may have had niche or experimental applications.

## Body
### Classification and Series
Radio 8 is classified as both a **Radio Sputnik** and **Strela-1M** satellite. The Radio Sputnik series was a series of Soviet and Russian amateur radio satellites, while Strela-1M refers to a specific satellite class. This dual classification indicates its role in both amateur radio communications and a broader satellite family.

### Launch Details
- **Launch date**: December 17, 1981
- **Launch vehicle**: Kosmos-3M, a Russian rocket used for satellite deployments.
- **COSPAR ID**: 1981-120F, a unique identifier assigned by the Committee on Space Research (COSPAR).

### Identification and Tracking
- **SCN (NORAD ID)**: 13002, used for satellite tracking and cataloging.
- **Wikipedia availability**: Only available in German, suggesting limited public documentation.

### Historical Context
Radio 8 was launched during the Cold War era, reflecting the Soviet Union's efforts in space-based communications. Its classification under Strela-1M aligns with other Soviet-era satellites designed for specific missions, including amateur radio experiments. The Kosmos-3M rocket was a reliable launch vehicle for such deployments.

### Limitations
The source material does not provide details on Radio 8's operational status, mission objectives, or technical specifications. Further research would be needed to fully understand its role and contributions.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report