# Tsyklon-3

> Soviet/Ukrainian expendable launch vehicle

**Wikidata**: [Q334236](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q334236)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tsyklon-3)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/tsyklon-3

## Summary
Tsyklon-3 is a Soviet and Ukrainian expendable launch vehicle designed for three-stage-to-orbit missions. It is a liquid-propellant rocket developed by the Pivdenne Design Office and manufactured by Pivdenmash, primarily operating from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome.

## Key Facts
- **Classification:** Three-stage-to-orbit liquid-propellant expendable launch vehicle.
- **First Flight:** June 24, 1977.
- **Service Retirement:** December 28, 2000.
- **Dimensions:** Height of 39.27 meters and a diameter of 3.0 meters.
- **Mass:** Approximately 186 tonnes launch weight, with a dry weight of 12.1 tonnes.
- **Payload Capacity:** 3,600 kg to a 200 km polar orbit; 2,500 kg to a 1,000 km orbit.
- **Primary Launch Site:** Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 32.
- **Designation:** Known by the GRAU index 11К68 and the US/NATO designation SL-14.
- **Design and Manufacture:** Designed by Pivdenne Design Office and manufactured by Pivdenmash.

## FAQs
### Q: What type of rocket is the Tsyklon-3?
A: The Tsyklon-3 is a liquid-propellant, three-stage-to-orbit expendable launch vehicle. It was used by the Soviet Union and later Ukraine to deploy various satellite payloads.

### Q: Where were Tsyklon-3 rockets launched from?
A: Tsyklon-3 missions were primarily conducted from Site 32 at the Plesetsk Cosmodrome. Its operational history spanned from its first flight in 1977 until its retirement in late 2000.

### Q: What kind of satellites did the Tsyklon-3 carry?
A: It launched a wide variety of payloads, including the Ukrainian Sich-1 and MK-1TS satellites, the Czechoslovak Magion series, the Soviet-French Oreol 3, and numerous Cosmos series satellites.

## Why It Matters
The Tsyklon-3 was a significant workhorse for the Soviet and Ukrainian space programs, providing reliable access to orbit for over two decades. Its three-stage design allowed for the deployment of diverse payloads, ranging from scientific research satellites to communications and Earth observation platforms. The vehicle facilitated international cooperation in space, launching hardware for countries such as France (Oreol 3), Czechoslovakia (Magion 2 and 3), and Chile (FASat-Alfa). Its retirement in 2000 marked the end of an era for a rocket family that had been instrumental in maintaining the Soviet and Russian satellite constellations, including the Gonets and Cosmos series.

## Notable For
- **Longevity:** Maintained an active flight history for 23 years, from 1977 to 2000.
- **International Utility:** Served as the launch vehicle for diverse international missions, including the Chilean FASat-Alfa and the Italian TEMISAT.
- **Ukrainian Space Heritage:** Launched the first Ukrainian satellite, Sich-1, as well as the subsequent Sich-1M and MK-1TS.
- **High Payload Efficiency:** Capable of delivering up to 3.6 tonnes to polar orbits, making it highly effective for its size and class.

## Body

### Technical Specifications
The Tsyklon-3 (GRAU index 11К68) is a liquid-propellant rocket standing 39.27 meters tall with a diameter of 3.0 meters. At launch, the vehicle weighs approximately 186 tonnes, while its dry weight is significantly lower at 12.1 tonnes. It utilizes a three-stage configuration to reach orbit.

### Development and Manufacturing
The vehicle was designed by the Pivdenne Design Office and produced by the manufacturer Pivdenmash. While it originated during the Soviet era, it continued to be a core component of Ukrainian aerospace capabilities following the dissolution of the Soviet Union.

### Operational History
The Tsyklon-3's flight history began on June 24, 1977. Throughout its service life, it was primarily operated from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome, specifically Site 32. The vehicle's final mission took place on December 28, 2000, after which it was retired from service.

### Payload and Mission Profiles
The Tsyklon-3 was capable of different mission profiles based on altitude requirements:
- **Polar Orbit (200 km):** 3,600 kg payload capacity.
- **Higher Orbit (1,000 km):** 2,500 kg payload capacity.

Notable satellites launched by the Tsyklon-3 include:
- **Scientific Research:** Magion 2 and 3 (Czechoslovakia), Oreol 3 (Soviet-French), and the Intercosmos 24.
- **Communications and Weather:** Gonets D1-1 and the CORONAS series (I, F, and Foton).
- **National Satellites:** The Ukrainian Sich-1 and Sich-1M.
- **Cosmos Series:** A vast number of Cosmos satellites, including Cosmos 921, 956, 1025, 1151, 1809, and 2201.
- **International Payloads:** FASat-Alfa (Chile), TEMISAT (Italy), and TUBSAT-2.

## Schema Markup
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  "name": "Tsyklon-3",
  "description": "A Soviet and Ukrainian three-stage-to-orbit expendable launch vehicle operated between 1977 and 2000.",
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## References

1. [Source](https://www.russianspaceweb.com/tsyklon.html)