The Special Committee for the International Polar Year (later designated the International Geophysical Year), was established. References: 483 .

Rocket test, 86 kg payload. Insufficient fin-cuff protection caused aerodynamic instability. Launched at 0840 local time. Reached 169 km.

First launch of R-2A, carried dogs Ryjaya and Damka. References: 283 , 344 .

Maximum Speed - 719 kph. Maximum Altitude - 13720 m. Flight Time - 265 sec. References: 49 , 97 .

Spacecraft was very similar to Venera 4 / 1V (V-67) although the descent module was of a stronger design. When the atmosphere of Venus was approached, a capsule weighing 405 kg and containing scientific instruments was jettisoned from the main spacecraft. During descent towards the surface of Venus, a parachute opened to slow the rate of descent. For 53 minutes, while the capsule was suspended from the parachute, data from the Venusian atmosphere were returned. The spacecraft also carried a medallion bearing the coat of arms of the U.S.S.R. and a bas-relief of V.I. Lenin to the night side of Venus.

KH-8 type satellite. Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A). References: 1 , 2 , 5 , 6 .

High resolution photo reconnaissance satellite; returned film capsule; maneuverable; also performed earth resources tasks. References: 1 , 2 , 6 .

34 transponders; Geostationary at 113.0E. References: 4 , 6 .

7 Ku-band transponders Geostationary at 4.1W. References: 4 , 6 .

First Rokot flight from Plesetsk, using a launch pad originally used for Kosmos rockets. The two-stage modified UR-100NUTTKh ICBM, delivered a Briz-KM upper stage to a suborbital trajectory. The first Briz burn was to an approximately 200 x 550 km transfer orbit; the second burn circularized at apogee. It placed two 660 kg dummy satellites in orbits similar to the parking orbit was used for the defunct Iridium program. The Briz-KM stage then made a third burn to lower its perigee to a 178 x 556 km x 86.4 deg disposal orbit.