Sputnik (rocket)
World's first satellite launcher, derived from the R-7 ICBM.
The Sputnik rocket was an uncrewed orbital carrier rocket derived from the R-7 Semyorka ICBM, designed by Sergei Korolev in the Soviet Union. It performed the world's first satellite launch on 4 October 1957, placing Sputnik 1 into low Earth orbit. Two versions were built: the Sputnik-PS (8K71PS) and the Sputnik (8A91).
Quick Facts
- Function
- Early (first) carrier rocket
- Manufacturer
- OKB-1
- Country-origin
- USSR
- Height
- 8K71PS: 30 m / 98 ft 5 in; 8A91: 31.1 m / 102 ft
- Diameter
- 2.99 m / 9 ft 10 in
- Mass
- 8K71PS: 267,000 kg / 588,634 lb; 8A91: 269,300 kg / 593,705 lb
- Stages
- 2
- Family
- R-7
Facts from the source article.
Sputnik 8A91
The Sputnik 8A91 used more powerful 8D76 and 8D77 engines, increasing payload capacity for heavier satellites than Sputnik 1 and Sputnik 2. It flew twice in 1958. The first launch on 27 April failed due to unexpected longitudinal vibrations during flight. On 15 May, it successfully launched Sputnik 3. The first stage consisted of four strap-on boosters (Block B, V, G, D), each with one RD-107-8D76 engine, burning LOX/kerosene for 130 seconds. The second stage (Block A core) used one RD-108-8D77 engine, burning LOX/kerosene for 360 seconds. Total vehicle mass was 269.3 t, with a liftoff thrust of 3784 kN and a LEO payload of 1,327 kg.
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