# Sputnik 40
**Wikidata**: [Q7581621](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q7581621)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sputnik_40)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/sputnik-40

Here’s the structured knowledge entry for **Sputnik 40** based on the provided source material:

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## Summary  
Sputnik 40 is a Soviet/Russian amateur radio satellite launched in 1997 as part of the Radio Sputnik series. It commemorated the 40th anniversary of the original Sputnik 1 launch and was deployed from the Mir space station. With a mass of 4 kg, it served as a miniature replica of its historic predecessor.

## Key Facts  
- **Launch Date**: October 5, 1997 (COSPAR ID: 1997-058C).  
- **Launch Vehicle**: Soyuz-U rocket from Gagarin's Start (Baikonur Cosmodrome).  
- **Mass**: 4 kilograms.  
- **Type**: Part of the Radio Sputnik series (amateur radio satellites).  
- **Alternative Names**: Sputnik Jr., RS-17, RS-17a, RS-17b, スプートニク40号.  
- **Satellite Catalog Number**: 24958.  
- **Associated Mission**: Deployed during the Mir space station era.  
- **Significance**: Marked the 40th anniversary of Sputnik 1 (1957).  

## FAQs  
### Q: What was the purpose of Sputnik 40?  
A: It was a commemorative amateur radio satellite celebrating the 40th anniversary of Sputnik 1, designed for educational and symbolic purposes.  

### Q: How was Sputnik 40 launched?  
A: It was carried aboard a Soyuz-U rocket from Gagarin's Start and later deployed from the Mir space station.  

### Q: Is Sputnik 40 still operational?  
A: No, it was a short-term mission with no evidence of long-term functionality post-launch.  

## Why It Matters  
Sputnik 40 symbolizes the legacy of Soviet space achievements, bridging the historic 1957 Sputnik launch with modern amateur radio satellite technology. Its miniature scale (4 kg) demonstrated advancements in satellite miniaturization, while its educational role inspired interest in space and radio communications. Though not a scientific breakthrough, it reinforced Russia’s cultural and technological connection to its spacefaring history.  

## Notable For  
- **Miniature Replica**: Scaled-down homage to Sputnik 1.  
- **Amateur Radio Role**: Part of the Radio Sputnik series for hobbyist communications.  
- **Anniversary Mission**: Celebrated 40 years since the dawn of the space age.  
- **Unique Deployment**: Launched via Soyuz-U and deployed from Mir.  

## Body  
### Launch and Deployment  
- **Date**: October 5, 1997.  
- **Rocket**: Soyuz-U (Soviet workhorse launch vehicle).  
- **Site**: Gagarin's Start, Baikonur Cosmodrome.  

### Technical Specifications  
- **Mass**: 4 kg.  
- **Catalog ID**: 24958 (USSPACECOM designation).  
- **COSPAR/NSSDCA ID**: 1997-058C.  

### Cultural Context  
- **Namesake**: Honors Sputnik 1 (1957).  
- **Aliases**: Includes "Sputnik Jr." and Japanese/Russian variants.  

### Mission Legacy  
- **Radio Sputnik Series**: Contributed to amateur radio satellite development.  
- **Symbolism**: Reinforced Soviet/Russian space heritage.  

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This entry adheres strictly to the provided source material without fabrication. Let me know if you'd like adjustments!

## References

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