# Sputnik Jr. 3

> nano-satellite launched April 2, 1999

**Wikidata**: [Q63089353](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q63089353)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sputnik_99)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/sputnik-jr-3

## Summary
Sputnik Jr. 3 is a nano-satellite launched on April 2, 1999, as part of the Radio Sputnik series of Soviet and Russian amateur radio satellites. It was launched using a Soyuz-U rocket and is cataloged as object 25685 in space object databases.

## Key Facts
- Launched on April 2, 1999, aboard a Soyuz-U rocket
- Also known as Sputnik 99
- Has a COSPAR ID of 1999-015C
- Classified as a Radio Sputnik amateur radio satellite
- Catalog number 25685 in space object databases
- Has Wikipedia entries in both German and English
- Part of the Soviet and Russian amateur radio satellite program

### Q: What type of satellite is Sputnik Jr. 3?
A: Sputnik Jr. 3 is a nano-satellite that belongs to the Radio Sputnik series of Soviet and Russian amateur radio satellites, designed for amateur radio communications.

### Q: When and how was Sputnik Jr. 3 launched?
A: Sputnik Jr. 3 was launched on April 2, 1999, using a Soyuz-U rocket, which is a variant of the Soyuz rocket design.

### Q: What are the alternative names for Sputnik Jr. 3?
A: Sputnik Jr. 3 is also known as Sputnik 99 and has the COSPAR ID 1999-015C for identification in space object databases.

## Why It Matters
Sputnik Jr. 3 represents an important contribution to amateur radio satellite technology and international space communications. As part of the Radio Sputnik series, it continues the legacy of Soviet and Russian space achievements while serving the amateur radio community. These satellites provide crucial platforms for educational purposes, experimental communications, and international cooperation in space technology. The nano-satellite format demonstrates how smaller, more cost-effective spacecraft can still achieve meaningful scientific and communication goals. Sputnik Jr. 3's launch in 1999 also shows the ongoing commitment to amateur radio satellite programs well into the modern space age, providing opportunities for students, hobbyists, and researchers to engage with space technology.

## Notable For
- Being part of the historic Radio Sputnik amateur radio satellite series
- Demonstrating the viability of nano-satellites for amateur radio communications
- Continuing Soviet and Russian space program traditions into the 21st century
- Providing accessible space technology for educational and amateur use
- Successfully launching aboard the reliable Soyuz-U rocket platform

## Body
### Technical Specifications and Classification
Sputnik Jr. 3 is classified as a nano-satellite, representing the smaller end of artificial satellite technology. Its small size and weight make it cost-effective to launch while still providing functional amateur radio capabilities. The satellite operates within the Radio Sputnik program framework, which has been a cornerstone of Soviet and Russian space efforts since the early days of space exploration.

### Launch and Mission Details
The satellite was successfully launched on April 2, 1999, aboard a Soyuz-U rocket, demonstrating the continued reliability of this launch vehicle design. The Soyuz-U variant has been a workhorse of Soviet and Russian space programs, with this particular launch adding to its extensive flight history. The specific launch date places Sputnik Jr. 3 in the context of late 1990s space activities, when international cooperation and amateur satellite programs were expanding.

### Identification and Documentation
Sputnik Jr. 3 is cataloged under multiple identification systems for easy reference and tracking. Its catalog number 25685 allows for precise identification in space object databases, while the COSPAR ID 1999-015C provides international standardization for space object identification. The satellite maintains Wikipedia presence in both German and English languages, indicating its recognition across different linguistic and cultural contexts within the space and amateur radio communities.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report