# Sputnik 8A91

> Soviet Union space launch vehicle

**Wikidata**: [Q9340746](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q9340746)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/sputnik-8a91

## Summary
Sputnik 8A91 was a Soviet expendable launch vehicle that was used to launch the Sputnik-3 satellite in 1958, marking the first successful orbital satellite mission.

## Key Facts
- It was an expendable launch vehicle used by the Soviet Union.
- First flight occurred on April 27, 1958.
- It had a gross weight of 269,300 kilograms.
- The launch vehicle was 31.1 meters in height and 9.76 meters in width.
- It was based on the R-7 Semyorka missile.
- The manufacturer was NPO Energomash.
- It could carry a payload of up to 1,327 kilograms.
- It produced a maximum thrust of 3,784.9 kilonewtons.
- Only two units were produced.
- It was retired from service on May 15, 1958.

## FAQs
### Q: When was Sputnik 8A91 first launched?
A: It had its first flight on April 27, 1958.

### Q: What was the payload capacity of Sputnik 8A91?
A: It could carry a payload of up to 1,327 kilograms.

### Q: How many Sputnik 8A91 launch vehicles were produced?
A: Only two units were produced.

### Q: What was the maximum thrust of Sputnik 8A91?
A: It produced a maximum thrust of 3,784.9 kilonewtons.

## Why It Matters
Sputnik 8A91 holds significant historical importance as the launch vehicle that successfully placed Sputnik-3 into orbit on May 3, 1958. This achievement marked the first successful orbital satellite mission, demonstrating the Soviet Union's capability to launch and operate satellites in space. The launch came during the height of the Cold War, contributing to the Space Race between the United States and the Soviet Union. The success of Sputnik-3 demonstrated the feasibility of long-duration orbital missions and paved the way for future space exploration programs. The vehicle's development and deployment represented a major technological advancement, showcasing the Soviet Union's progress in rocketry and space technology.

## Notable For
- It was the first launch vehicle used for the Sputnik program, successfully placing Sputnik-3 into orbit.
- It was based on the R-7 Semyorka missile, adapting it for satellite launch capabilities.
- It had a relatively large payload capacity of 1,327 kilograms, enabling the deployment of significant scientific instruments.
- It represented a key milestone in the Space Race, occurring shortly after the successful launch of Sputnik-1 in 1957.
- Only two units were produced, indicating its limited operational use before being retired.

## Body
### Technical Specifications
The Sputnik 8A91 was an expendable launch vehicle with a gross weight of 269,300 kilograms. It measured 31.1 meters in height and 9.76 meters in width. The launch vehicle was manufactured by NPO Energomash and was based on the R-7 Semyorka missile.

### Flight History
The Sputnik 8A91 had its first flight on April 27, 1958, and was retired from service on May 15, 1958. It was used to launch the Sputnik-3 satellite, which orbited Earth for 96 days. The vehicle's payload capacity was 1,327 kilograms, and it produced a maximum thrust of 3,784.9 kilonewtons.

### Design and Development
The Sputnik 8A91 was developed as an expendable launch vehicle for the Soviet space program. It was based on the R-7 Semyorka missile, which was originally designed as an intercontinental ballistic missile. The launch vehicle was modified to carry satellites into orbit. Only two units were produced, indicating its limited operational use.

### Classification
The Sputnik 8A91 was classified as an expendable launch vehicle and a liquid-propellant rocket. It was part of the Soviet Union's efforts to establish a space program during the Cold War era.

## References

1. [Source](http://astronautix.com/s/sputnik8a91.html)