In today's world, Kosmos 421 has gained indisputable relevance in various areas. Both on a personal and professional level, Kosmos 421 has captured the attention of millions of people due to its impact and significance in contemporary society. In this article, we will thoroughly explore everything related to Kosmos 421, from its history and evolution to its influence today. Throughout the next few lines, we will discover the multiple facets and aspects that make Kosmos 421 a topic of widespread interest, as well as its relevance in the global context.
Mission type | ABM radar target |
---|---|
COSPAR ID | 1971-044A |
SATCAT no. | 05232 |
Spacecraft properties | |
Spacecraft type | DS-P1-Yu |
Manufacturer | Yuzhnoye |
Launch mass | 325 kilograms (717 lb) |
Start of mission | |
Launch date | 19 May 1971, 10:20:00 | UTC
Rocket | Kosmos-2I 63SM |
Launch site | Plesetsk 133/1 |
End of mission | |
Decay date | 8 November 1971 |
Orbital parameters | |
Reference system | Geocentric |
Regime | Low Earth |
Perigee altitude | 266 kilometres (165 mi) |
Apogee altitude | 445 kilometres (277 mi) |
Inclination | 70.9 degrees |
Period | 91.65 minutes |
Kosmos 421 (Russian: Космос 421 meaning Cosmos 421), known before launch as DS-P1-Yu No.48, was a Soviet satellite which was launched in 1971 as part of the Dnepropetrovsk Sputnik programme. It was a 325-kilogram (717 lb) spacecraft, which was built by the Yuzhnoye Design Bureau, and was used as a radar calibration target for anti-ballistic missile tests.
Kosmos 421 was successfully launched into low Earth orbit on 19 May 1971, with the rocket lifting-off at 10:20:00 UTC. The launch took place from Site 133/1 at the Plesetsk Cosmodrome, and used a Kosmos-2I 63SM carrier rocket.
Upon reaching orbit, it was assigned its Kosmos designation, and received the International Designator 1971-044A.
Kosmos 421 was the forty-second of seventy nine DS-P1-Yu satellites to be launched, and the thirty-eighth of seventy two to successfully reach orbit. It was operated in an orbit with a perigee of 266 kilometres (165 mi), an apogee of 445 kilometres (277 mi), 70.9 degrees of inclination, and an orbital period of 91.65 minutes. It remained in orbit until it decayed and reentered the atmosphere on 8 November 1971.