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Vostok-K

1960s Soviet rocket

Vostok-K

Vostok-K rocket
Function	Carrier rocket
Manufacturer	OKB-1
Country of origin	USSR
Size
Height	30.84 m
Diameter	299 cm
Mass	281,375 kg
Stages	Two
Capacity
Payload to LEO
Mass	4,730 kilograms (10,430 lb)
Associated rockets
Family	R-7
Derivative work	Vostok-2
Launch history
Status	Retired
Launch sites	Baikonur, Site 1/5
Total launches	13
Success(es)	11
Failure(s)	2
First flight	22 December 1960
Last flight	10 July 1964
Type of passengers/cargo	Vostok
Boosters
No. boosters	4
Powered by	1RD-107-8D74-1959
Maximum thrust	970.86 kN
Total thrust	3883.4 kN
Burn time	118 seconds
Propellant	RP-1/LOX
First stage
Powered by	1RD-108-8D75-1959
Maximum thrust	912 kN
Burn time	301 seconds
Propellant	RP-1/LOX
Second stage
Powered by	1RD-0109
Maximum thrust	54.5 kN
Burn time	365 seconds
Propellant	RP-1/LOX
[edit on Wikidata]

The Vostok-K (Russian: Восток meaning "East"), GRAU index 8K72K was an expendable carrier rocket used by the Soviet Union for thirteen launches between 1960 and 1964, six of which were crewed.^[1] It was derived from the earlier Vostok-L; however, it featured uprated engines to improve performance, and enlarge its payload capacity.^[2] It was a member of the Vostok family of rockets.

The Vostok-K made its maiden flight on 22 December 1960, three weeks after the retirement of the Vostok-L. The third stage engine failed 425 seconds after launch, and the payload, a Korabl-Sputnik spacecraft, failed to reach orbit. The spacecraft was recovered after landing, and the two dogs aboard the spacecraft survived the flight.

On 12 April 1961, a Vostok-K rocket was used to launch Vostok 1, the first human spaceflight, making Yuri Gagarin the first human to fly in space. All six crewed missions of the Vostok programme were launched using Vostok-K rockets.^[1] The first two Zenit reconnaissance satellites were also launched with the Vostok-K, but it was soon replaced in that capacity with the uprated Vostok-2 booster. After the conclusion of the Vostok program, there were two remaining 8K72Ks left; these were used to launch four Elektron scientific satellites on 30 January and 10 July 1964.^[3][1]

Launches[edit]

Vostok-K was used for thirteen launches between 1960 and 1964, from Baikonur LC-1/5.^[1]

References[edit]