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Vostok-L

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Vostok-L
Vostok-L rocket
FunctionCarrier rocket
ManufacturerOKB-1
Country of originUSSR
Size
StagesTwo
Capacity
Payload to LEO
Mass4,550 kilograms (10,030 lb)
Associated rockets
FamilyR-7
Derivative workVostok-K
Launch history
StatusRetired
Launch sitesBaikonur Site 1/5
Total launches4
Success(es)3
Failure(s)1
First flight15 May 1960
Last flight1 December 1960
Type of passengers/cargoKorabl'-Sputnik
Boosters
No. boosters4
Powered by1 RD-107-8D74
Maximum thrust970 kilonewtons (220,000 lbf)
Burn time120 seconds
PropellantRP-1/LOX
First stage
Powered by1 RD-108-8D75
Maximum thrust912 kilonewtons (205,000 lbf)
Burn time310 seconds
PropellantRP-1/LOX
Second stage
Powered by1 RD-0105
Maximum thrust49.42 kilonewtons (11,110 lbf)
Burn time390 seconds
PropellantRP-1/LOX

The Vostok-L (Russian: Восток meaning "East"), GRAU index 8K72 was a rocket used by the Soviet Union to conduct several early tests of the Vostok spacecraft.

It was derived from the Luna rocket, with a slightly enlarged second stage to accommodate the larger payload.[1] and was a member of the Vostok family of rockets.

Launches

[edit]

Four launches were conducted between 15 May and 1 December 1960 from Baikonur LC-1/5, three of which successfully reached orbit.[2]

The first flight, on 15 May 1960, carried the Korabl'-Sputnik 1 spacecraft. The second launched on 28 July, however one of the booster engines exploded during launch, causing the booster to separate prematurely, 19 seconds after launch. The rocket broke up 30 seconds after liftoff, killing the two dogs that were aboard the spacecraft.[1] The third flight successfully placed Korabl'-Sputnik 2 into orbit on 19 August, whilst the fourth and final flight orbited Korabl'-Sputnik 3 on 1 December.

Serial No. Date Payload Result
L1-11 15.05.1960 Korabl-Sputnik 1 Success
L1-10 28.07.1960 Korabl-Sputnik (2) Failure
L1-12 19.08.1960 Korabl-Sputnik 2 Success
L1-13 01.12.1960 Korabl-Sputnik 3 Success

The Vostok-L was replaced by an uprated version, the Vostok-K, which offered a greater payload capacity.

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b Wade, Mark. "Soyuz". Encyclopedia Astronautica. Archived from the original on 2010-01-07. Retrieved 2009-04-15.
  2. ^ "Vostok". Gunter's Space Page. Retrieved 2023-10-22.