# Sputnik 3

> Soviet research satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q719789](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q719789)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sputnik_3)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/sputnik-3

## Summary

Sputnik 3 is an Earth observation satellite.

## Summary
Sputnik 3 was a Soviet research satellite launched in 1958 as part of the Sputnik programme, designed for scientific observations of Earth and space.

## Key Facts
- Launched on May 15, 1958, from Gagarin's Start
- Mass: 1327 kg (launch weight)
- Class: Earth observation satellite
- Part of the Sputnik programme
- Followed Sputnik 2 and was followed by Korabl-Sputnik 1
- Dimensions: 3.57 m in length, 1.73 m in diameter
- Orbital period: 105.9 minutes
- Operated until atmospheric entry on April 6, 1960
- Operator: S.P. Korolev Rocket and Space Corporation Energia

## FAQs
### Q: When was Sputnik 3 launched?
A: Sputnik 3 was launched on May 15, 1958, at 07:00:35 UTC from Gagarin's Start.

### Q: What was its primary purpose?
A: Sputnik 3 was a research satellite designed for Earth observation and scientific measurements.

### Q: When did it re-enter Earth's atmosphere?
A: Sputnik 3 re-entered Earth's atmosphere and burned up on April 6, 1960.

## Why It Matters
Sputnik 3 represented a significant advancement in space exploration from the initial Sputnik satellites, which were primarily demonstration vehicles. While earlier Sputnik missions focused on basic orbital achievements and carrying animals (like Sputnik 2 with Laika), Sputnik 3 was designed as a scientific research platform. It carried multiple instruments to study Earth's atmosphere, magnetic field, and radiation, marking the beginning of systematic scientific observations from space. The satellite's success demonstrated the Soviet Union's capability to conduct complex scientific missions and paved the way for future Earth observation satellites and research spacecraft.

## Notable For
- It was the first Earth observation satellite, carrying scientific instruments for atmospheric studies
- It carried multiple research instruments including radiation detectors and magnetometers
- It had a longer operational life than earlier Sputnik satellites, lasting approximately 1.6 years
- It was designed specifically for scientific research rather than just demonstration purposes
- It operated in low Earth orbit with an orbital inclination of 65.18 degrees

## Body
### Technical Specifications
- **Mass**: 1327 kg (launch weight)
- **Dimensions**: 3.57 m in length, 1.73 m in diameter
- **Orbital Parameters**: 
  - Periapsis: 217 km
  - Apoapsis: 11,864 km
  - Semi-major axis: 7,418.7 km
  - Orbital period: 105.9 minutes
  - Inclination: 65.18 degrees
  - Eccentricity: 0.110932
- **Operator**: S.P. Korolev Rocket and Space Corporation Energia
- **Launch Vehicle**: Sputnik (B1-1 rocket)

### Mission Timeline
- **Launch**: May 15, 1958, at 07:00:35 UTC from Gagarin's Start
- **Signal Loss**: June 3, 1958
- **Atmospheric Entry**: April 6, 1960

### Scientific Instruments
Sputnik 3 carried a comprehensive suite of scientific instruments including:
- Radiation detectors
- Magnetometers
- Atmospheric density sensors
- Solar radiation monitors
- Cosmic ray detectors

### Operational History
The satellite operated for approximately 1.6 years before re-entering Earth's atmosphere on April 6, 1960. During its mission, it provided valuable scientific data about Earth's environment and space conditions.

### Legacy
Sputnik 3 marked a transition from demonstration satellites to scientific research platforms in space exploration. Its success demonstrated the feasibility of conducting complex scientific missions from orbit and paved the way for future Earth observation satellites and research spacecraft.

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  "@type": "Thing",
  "name": "Sputnik 3",
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## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report
2. [Source](https://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/spacecraft/displayTrajectory.action?id=1958-004B)
3. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
4. [Source](https://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/spacecraft/display.action?id=1958-004B)
5. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/sputnik_d1.htm)