Earth Artificial Satellites

This part of the exposition tells the story of the begining of the Space Exploration Era, from the very first satellite "Sputnik" whose full-scale engineering test model is in museum, through the "Kosmos" space satellites.

- Sputnik-1. The full-scale engineering test model of "PS-1" (Primitive Satellite - 1) is located in the musuem. Sputnik was launched into Earth orbit in October 4, 1957 from Tura-Tam (the Baikonur Cosmodrome). It was the very first artificial satellite in the world, and it began the Space Exploration Era. Mass - 83.6 kg., Diameter - 58 cm. Time of orbit - 92 days. Rocket booster - "Sputnik" (R-7 modification). Designer - Sergey P. Korolev.

- Sputnik-2. The full-scale model. The second satellite was launched in November 3, 1957. The dog "Laika" was on board (bottom sphere with round window). Mass - about 500 kg. Time of mission - 7 days. Rocket booster - "Sputnik" (R-7 modification). Designer - Sergey P. Korolev.

- Sputnik-3. The full-scale model. The third satellite - "Scientific laboratory". Was launched in May 15, 1958. There were 12 probes for scientific research of the Earth and near Earth space.
Mass - 1,327 kg. Mass of probes - 968 kg. Time of existanse - till 6.4.1960. Rocket booster - "Sputnik" (R-7 modification). Designer - Sergey P. Korolev.

- Kosmos-149. The full-scale model. The "Kosmos" satellite were used in the Soviet Union since 1962. "Kosmos-149" (The Space Arrow) was used for upper atmosphere research. Rocket booster - "Kosmos". Designer - Mihail K. Yangel. (1911-1971).

- Proton-1. The full-scale model. Heavy earth satellites "Proton" were launched in 1965-1968 for civil and military purposes. "Proton-1" was launched in June16,1965. Mass - 12.2 tons Rocket booster - "Proton". Designer - Vladimir N. Chelomey (1914-1984).

- Molniya-1. The full-scale model. The first Soviet radio and TV telecommunications satellite. it was launched in April 23, 1965. Rocket booster - R-7. Designer - Sergey P. Korolev.