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Elektron-B
Elektron-B
Elektron-B
Credit: © Mark Wade
Russian earth magnetosphere satellite. The Elektron mission was one of the earliest Soviet satellites to be authorized following the initial Sputnik series. Magnetospheric research satellite, Russia. Launched 1964.

Status: Operational 1964. First Launch: 1964-01-30. Last Launch: 1964-07-10. Number: 2 . Gross mass: 444 kg (978 lb).

The two spacecraft were designed to be deployed in a single launch of a Vostok booster. The spacecraft had the specific task of mapping the Van Allen radiation belts at higher inclinations than that achieved by US satellites of the time (60 degrees vs 30 degrees latitude).

Decrees authorizing design and building of the Elektrons were issued on 9 May 1960 and 13 May 1961. Design work began in July 1960. Elektron B, with a design mass of 460 kg, was boosted into a high 450 x 60,000 km orbit to map the outer Van Allen belt, simultaneous with Elektron A's study of the inner radiation belt. To attain this orbit it used a perigee kick motor - a solid rocket of 3350 kgf and 12 to 15 seconds duration. Elektron B was 400 mm in diameter and 850 mm long. The spacecraft also measured cosmic rays and the upper atmosphere.


More at: Elektron-B.

Family: Earth, High earth orbit, Magnetosphere sat. Country: Russia. Launch Vehicles: R-7, Vostok 8K72K. Projects: Elektron. Launch Sites: Baikonur, Baikonur LC1. Agency: Korolev bureau. Bibliography: 175, 2, 21, 474, 6.
Photo Gallery

Elektron 1Elektron 1
Credit: Manufacturer Image


Elektron 2Elektron 2
Credit: Manufacturer Image



1960 May 9 - .
1961 May 13 - . Launch Vehicle: N1.
1964 January 30 - . 09:45 GMT - . Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: Baikonur LC1. LV Family: R-7. Launch Vehicle: Vostok 8K72K.
1964 July 10 - . 21:51 GMT - . Launch Site: Baikonur. Launch Complex: Baikonur LC1. LV Family: R-7. Launch Vehicle: Vostok 8K72K.

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