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| November 25, 1976 Russians Launch Prognoz 5 |
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Prognoz 5 was launched in 1976 by Russia with a Molniya booster. Mission objectives included investigation of the corpuscular and electromagnetic radiation of the sun and of solar plasma fluxes, study of the magnetic fields in circumterrestrial space in order to determine the effects of solar activity on the interplanetary medium and in the magnetosphere of the earth.
The Molniya was the same as a Soyuz with an additional Block-L upper stage for use on missions beyond Earth orbit and for 'Molniya' orbit launches. The upper stage was slightly smaller than the Vostok stage measuring two meters diameter by two meters long, and weighing 1,260 kg. empty. The Block-L was powered by a restartable S1-5400 Oxygen-Kerosene engine and attitude control system developed by the Korolev OKB. The smaller size allowed it to be put inside the payload shroud of the booster, giving it the appearance of a regular A-2 type booster. The first flight of an Molniya was Sputnik 7 on Feb. 4, 1961. Visit Russian Aerospace Guide for more information.
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