# Salyut 3

> Soviet space station launched on 25 June 1974

**Wikidata**: [Q842637](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q842637)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salyut_3)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/salyut-3

## Summary
Salyut 3 was a Soviet space station launched on June 25, 1974, as part of the Almaz military space program. It operated for approximately seven months, conducting espionage activities and testing space-based reconnaissance technologies. The station was crewed by two Soyuz missions and deorbited in January 1975.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: June 25, 1974, at 22:38:00 UTC.
- **Launch Vehicle**: Proton-K rocket from Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 81/23.
- **Mass**: 18,500 kilograms.
- **Dimensions**: 14.55 meters in length, 4.15 meters in diameter, with a total volume of 90 cubic meters.
- **Country**: Soviet Union.
- **Preceded By**: Kosmos 557 (a malfunctioning Salyut station).
- **Succeeded By**: Salyut 4.
- **Orbit**: 219–270 km altitude, 51.6° inclination.
- **Occupancy**: Maximum crew capacity of 2 astronauts.

## FAQs
### Q: What was Salyut 3 used for?
A: Salyut 3 was primarily used for military espionage and testing space-based reconnaissance technologies as part of the Soviet Almaz program.

### Q: How long did Salyut 3 operate?
A: The station operated for approximately seven months, from June 25, 1974, until its deorbiting on January 24, 1975.

### Q: Was Salyut 3 part of the civilian Salyut programme?
A: No, Salyut 3 was part of the classified Almaz military programme, though it was publicly designated under the Salyut name to conceal its true purpose.

## Why It Matters
Salyut 3 played a critical role in advancing Soviet military space capabilities during the Cold War. As the first operational Almaz station, it demonstrated the feasibility of space-based reconnaissance and tested technologies like film-return capsules. Its operations provided valuable intelligence and laid groundwork for future military satellite systems. The station also contributed to the broader development of long-duration spaceflight, refining crewed operations and orbital logistics that influenced later space stations like Mir and the International Space Station.

## Notable For
- **Military Espionage**: First space station designed for reconnaissance, using film-return capsules.
- **Almaz Programme**: Part of a classified military project disguised under the civilian Salyut name.
- **Short Operational Lifespan**: Deorbited after seven months, reflecting its specialized, high-risk mission profile.
- **Crewed Missions**: Hosted two Soyuz crews (Soyuz 14 and Soyuz 15) for military-focused missions.

## Body
### Launch and Deployment
Salyut 3 launched on June 25, 1974, aboard a Proton-K rocket from Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 81/23. It reached an initial orbit of 219–270 km altitude with a 51.6° inclination. The station was designated OPS-2 (Almaz 2) within the military but publicly labeled Salyut 3 to maintain secrecy.

### Design and Specifications
- **Structure**: Cylindrical design with a length of 14.55 meters, diameter of 4.15 meters, and total volume of 90 cubic meters.
- **Mass**: 18,500 kg at launch.
- **Propulsion**: Equipped with Agat-1 radar and film-return capsules for reconnaissance.
- **Power**: Solar panels generating approximately 3.8 kW of power.

### Mission and Operations
- **Crewed Missions**: 
  - **Soyuz 14** (July 1974): Crewed by Popov and Artyukhin for 15 days, conducting reconnaissance and equipment tests.
  - **Soyuz 15** (August 1974): Failed docking attempt due to automated system malfunction.
- **Decay**: Deorbited on January 24, 1975, after 3442 orbits, disintegrating over the Pacific Ocean.

### Legacy
Salyut 3 marked the first successful deployment of a military space station, proving the viability of orbital reconnaissance. Its classified nature and dual-use design (civilian/military) set a precedent for Soviet space projects. The mission’s findings influenced subsequent Almaz stations and informed the development of automated reconnaissance satellites.

## Schema Markup
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## References

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