Vostok Kaluga Museum Credit: © Mark Wade. 43,450 bytes. 567 x 310 pixels.

8K72 Luna launch vehicle, third stage modified with larger forward cylindrical section to accomodate Vostok-sized spacecraft. Used only for launch of first few prototype Vostoks.

Launches: 4. Failures: 1. Success Rate: 75.00% pct. First Launch Date: 15 May 1960. Last Launch Date: 01 December 1960. LEO Payload: 4,550 kg. to: 200 km Orbit. at: 65.0 degrees. Liftoff Thrust: 395,012 kgf. Total Mass: 281,375 kg. Core Diameter: 3.0 m. Total Length: 30.8 m.

• Stage Number: 0. 4 x Vostok 8K72-0 Gross Mass: 43,300 kg. Empty Mass: 3,710 kg. Thrust (vac): 99,000 kgf. Isp: 312 sec. Burn time: 120 sec. Isp(sl): 254 sec. Diameter: 2.7 m. Span: 2.7 m. Length: 19.0 m. Propellants: Lox/Kerosene No Engines: 1. RD-107-8D74

  ---

  Vostok LV Credit: © Mark Wade. 1,240 bytes. 74 x 282 pixels.

  ---

• Stage Number: 1. 1 x Vostok 8K72-1 Gross Mass: 100,400 kg. Empty Mass: 6,800 kg. Thrust (vac): 93,000 kgf. Isp: 315 sec. Burn time: 310 sec. Isp(sl): 246 sec. Diameter: 3.0 m. Span: 3.0 m. Length: 28.0 m. Propellants: Lox/Kerosene No Engines: 1. RD-108-8D75

• Stage Number: 2. 1 x Vostok 8K72-2 Gross Mass: 7,775 kg. Empty Mass: 1,440 kg. Thrust (vac): 5,040 kgf. Isp: 316 sec. Burn time: 390 sec. Isp(sl): 0 sec. Diameter: 2.6 m. Span: 2.6 m. Length: 2.8 m. Propellants: Lox/Kerosene No Engines: 1. RD-0105

  ---

  R-7 aft end Credit: © Mark Wade. 47,694 bytes. 421 x 583 pixels.

  ---

• First studies by Korolev OKB of manned spacecraft Spacecraft: Vostok 3KA.

  First studies by Korolev and Feoktistov of manned spacecraft. The first stage would be suborbital ballistic flights (like the US Mercury-Redstone flights) from Kapustin Yar using IRBM's. First flights not planned until 1964 - 1967.

• Work begun on Vostok spacecraft and third stage Spacecraft: Vostok 3KA.

• Korabl-Sputnik 1 Spacecraft: Vostok 1K. Payload: Vostok 1KP. Mass: 2,500 kg.

  ---

  R-7 forward view - R-7 forward compartment Credit: © Mark Wade. 46,494 bytes. 565 x 391 pixels.

  ---

  The Soviet Union launched a Vostok 1KP prototype manned spacecraft (without heat shield; not recoverable) into near-earth orbit. Called Sputnik IV by the Western press. On May 19, at 15:52 Moscow time, the spacecraft was commanded to retrofire. However the guidance system had oriented the spacecraft incorrectly and the TDU engine instead put the spacecraft into a higher orbit. Soviet scientists said that conditions in the cabin, which had separated from the remainder of the spacecraft, were normal.
  Officially: Development and checking of the main systems of the space ship satellite, which ensure its safe flight and control in flight, return to Earth and conditions needed for a man in flight.

• Sputnik 4 Cabin Spacecraft: Vostok 1K. Payload: Vostok 1KP SA.

  ---

  R-7 Cutaways Credit: © Mark Wade. 12,874 bytes. 549 x 570 pixels.

  ---

• Korabl-Sputnik Spacecraft: Vostok 1K. Payload: Vostok 1K s/n 1.

  First attempted flight of the Vostok 1K manned spacecraft prototype. Dogs Chaika and Lisichka perished in the explosion of the rocket.

• Korabl-Sputnik 2 Spacecraft: Vostok 1K. Payload: Vostok 1K s/n 2. Mass: 1,440 kg.

  ---

  Vostok Gate Guardian - Vostok Gate Guardian at RKK Energia main complex Credit: © Mark Wade. 9,687 bytes. 139 x 360 pixels.

  ---

  The Soviet Union launched its second unmanned test of the Vostok spacecraft, the Korabl Sputnik II, or Sputnik V. The spacecraft carried two dogs, Strelka and Belka, in addition to a gray rabbit, rats, mice, flies, plants, fungi, microscopic water plants, and seeds. Electrodes attached to the dogs and linked with the spacecraft communications system, which included a television camera, enabled Soviet scientists to check the animals' hearts, blood pressure, breathing, and actions during the trip. After the spacecraft reentered and landed safely the next day, the animals and biological specimens were reported to be in good condition.
  Officially: Development of systems ensuring man's life functions and safety in flight and his return to Earth.

• Korabl-Sputnik 3 Spacecraft: Vostok 1K. Payload: Vostok 1K s/n 3. Mass: 4,563 kg.

  The Soviet Union launched its third spaceship satellite, Korabl Sputnik III, or Sputnik VI. The spacecraft, similar to those launched on May 15 and August 19, carried the dogs Pcheka and Mushka in addition to other animals, insects, and plants. Deorbited December 2, 1960 7:15 GMT. Burned up on reentry due to steep entry angle (retrofire engine did not shut off on schedule and burned to fuel depletion).
  Officially: Medical and biological research under space flight conditions.
  Officially: Medical and biological research under space flight conditions.

• 89 - Semenov, Yu. P., S P Korolev Space Corporation Energia, RKK Energia, 1994.
• 150 - Clark, P S, Journal of the British Interplanetary Society, "Soviet Spacecraft Masses for Earth Orbital Programmes", 1985, Volume 38, page 19.