Sputnik Satellites and Launch Vehicles
The first Soviet satellite program consisted of four Sputnik satellites. However, the Sputnik launched between Sputnik 2 and 3 failed to reach orbit.
Sputnik 1, launched on October 4, 1957, was designed to send radio signals to Earth and determine the density of the upper atmosphere. However, it only tranmitted signals to Earth for a short time after launch. Its orbit decayed and it fell to Earth on January 4, 1958.
Sputnik 2 was launched on November 3, 1957, and carried aboard it a dog, Laika. Biological data was returned for approximately a week (the first data of its kind). However, there was no safe re-entry possible at the time, and Laika was put to sleep after a week in orbit. The satellite itself remained in orbit 162 days.
Sputnik 3 was launched on May 15, 1958. It may originally have been intended as the first launch in the Sputnik program, however it was apparently decided to be more cautious in the launch schedule. It was designed to be a geophysical laboratory, performing experiments on the Earth's magnetic field, radiation belt, and ionosphere. It orbited Earth and transmitted data until April 6, 1960, when its orbit decayed.
All Sputniks were launched using the SS-6, or Sapwood rocket. The SS-6 was originally designed as a ballistic missile, and had its upper stage modified slightly to hold the Sputnik payload. It had two stages, four strap-on booster rockets for the first stage, connected to the second stage rocket. Total mass at launch for Sputnik 3 was 267 tonnes, with a length of 29.17 meters. The primary stage used RD-107 engines, which provided 100,000 kg of thrust. Both stages were powered by LOX/Kerosene.
Mission Profiles
Satellite / Launch Vehicle / Mass / Orbital Period / Orbital AltitudeSputnik 1 / SS-6 / 83.6 kg / 98.6 min / 228-947 km
Sputnik 2 / SS-6 / 508.3 kg / 103.75 min / 225-1,671 km
Sputnik 3 / SS-6 / 1,327 kg / 105.8 min / 230-1,880 km