| Date |
Time (UTC) |
Event |
| 1973 Jan 8 |
06:55 |
Luna 21 (E-8-204) launched from the Baikonur cosmodrome by four-stage Proton rocket into 190 x 235 kilometre orbit around the Earth at 51.6 degrees inclination - its mission is to enter orbit around the Moon and then land the Lunokhod 2 remote-controlled roving vehicle on its surface |
| 1973 Jan 8 |
07:12 |
Cosmos 541 descent module lands for recovery after being commanded to re-enter the Earth's atmosphere. |
| 1973 Jan 8 |
08:05 |
Final stage of Luna 21 launching rocket fired to place it into a trajectory towards the Moon |
| 1973 Jan 9 |
|
Luna 21 rocket engine is used to correct its trajectory towards the Moon |
| 1973 Jan 11 |
10:00 |
Cosmos 543 (Zenit-4M, Rotor) launched into 202 x 310 kilometre, 89.6 minutes period, 65 deg inclination orbit from the Baikonur Cosmodrome by Voskhod 11A57 rocket. Upgraded Zenit-4 photo-reconnaissance satellite with orbit-adjustment engine. |
| 1973 Jan 12 |
02:18 |
Orbit of Cosmos 543 reported as 203 x 308 kilometres, 65 deg inclination with 89.6 minutes period. |
| 1973 Jan 12 |
14:25 |
Approx time - Luna 21 enters 90 x 110 kilometre circular orbit around the Moon at 60 degrees inclination |
| 1973 Jan 12 |
15:43 |
Orbit of Cosmos 543 reported as 172 x 307 kilometres, 64.9 deg inclination with 89.6 minutes period. |
| 1973 Jan 13 |
|
Luna 21 rocket engine is used to lower the perilune (lowest height above the Moon) of its orbit |
| 1973 Jan 14 |
|
After firing its onboard rocket engine, Luna 21 orbit around the Moon is now 16 x 110 kilometres at 60 degrees inclination |
| 1973 Jan 15 |
22:29 |
Luna 21 fires its rocket engine and begins its descent towards a landing on the Moon surface |
| 1973 Jan 15 |
22:35 |
After completing 40 orbits of the Moon, Luna 21 lands at 28.85 degrees north, 30.45 degrees in the Le Monnier crater at the eastern edge of the Mare Serenitatis |
| 1973 Jan 16 |
01:14 |
Lunokhod 2 descends a pair of ramps on Luna 21 landing stage and moves onto the moon surface - it travels 30 metres from Luna 21 and is parked |
| 1973 Jan 18 |
|
Lunokhod 2 is moved to a position where it can take TV pictures of Luna 21 and the area around it before setting out on its travels |
| 1973 Jan 18 |
04:05 |
Orbit of Cosmos 543 reported as 168 x 299 kilometres, 65 deg inclination with 89.3 minutes period. |
| 1973 Jan 18 |
15:59 |
Orbit of Cosmos 543 reported as 173 x 303 kilometres, 65 deg inclination with 89.2 minutes period. |
| 1973 Jan 24 |
|
Lunokhod 2 is parked for its first lunar night, having travelled 1,260 metres and carried out a programme of photography and soil measurements - it protective 'lid' is closed |
| 1973 Jan 24 |
07:12 |
Cosmos 543 descent module lands for recovery after being commanded to re-enter the Earth's atmosphere. |
| 1973 Feb 1 |
08:30 |
Cosmos 547 (Zenit-2M 11Ф690, Gektor) launched into 202 x 311 kilometre, 89.6 minutes period, 65 deg inclination orbit from the Baikonur Cosmodrome by Voskhod 11A57 rocket. Photo-reconnaissance satellite. |
| 1973 Feb 8 |
|
Lunokhod 2 'lid' is opened and its batteries begin to charge prior to it second lunar day on the Moon |
| 1973 Feb 8 |
13:15 |
Cosmos 548 (Zenit-4M, Rotor) launched into 205 x 299 kilometre, 89.5 minutes period, 65.4 deg inclination orbit from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome by Voskhod 11A57 rocket. Upgraded Zenit-4 photo-reconnaissance satellite with orbit-adjustment engine. |
| 1973 Feb 10 |
02:19 |
Orbit of Cosmos 548 reported as 205 x 299 kilometres, 65.4 deg inclination with 89.5 minutes period. |
| 1973 Feb 10 |
05:18 |
Orbit of Cosmos 548 reported as 166 x 299 kilometres, 65.4 deg inclination with 89.5 minutes period. |
| 1973 Feb 12 |
21:10 |
Orbit of Cosmos 548 reported as 169 x 288 kilometres, 65.4 deg inclination with 89.2 minutes period. |
| 1973 Feb 13 |
03:06 |
Orbit of Cosmos 548 reported as 174 x 293 kilometres, 65.4 deg inclination with 89.1 minutes period. |
| 1973 Feb 13 |
04:35 |
Orbit of Cosmos 548 reported as 184 x 303 kilometres, 65.4 deg inclination with 89.2 minutes period. |
| 1973 Feb 13 |
04:48 |
Cosmos 547 descent module lands for recovery after being commanded to re-enter the Earth's atmosphere. |
| 1973 Feb 13 |
12:03 |
Orbit of Cosmos 548 reported as 170 x 318 kilometres, 65.4 deg inclination with 89.4 minutes period. |
| 1973 Feb 15 |
04:15 |
Orbit of Cosmos 548 reported as 170 x 314 kilometres, 65.4 deg inclination with 89.4 minutes period. |
| 1973 Feb 15 |
14:41 |
Orbit of Cosmos 548 reported as 173 x 314 kilometres, 65.4 deg inclination with 89.3 minutes period. |
| 1973 Feb 18 |
06:43 |
Orbit of Cosmos 548 reported as 172 x 307 kilometres, 65.4 deg inclination with 89.4 minutes period. |
| 1973 Feb 18 |
09:42 |
Orbit of Cosmos 548 reported as 177 x 317 kilometres, 65.4 deg inclination with 89.3 minutes period. |
| 1973 Feb 21 |
07:12 |
Cosmos 548 descent module lands for recovery after being commanded to re-enter the Earth's atmosphere. |
| 1973 Feb 23 |
|
Lunokhod 2 is parked for its second lunar night, having travelled 9,086 metres and continued its programme of photography and soil measurements - it protective 'lid' is closed |
| 1973 Mar 1 |
12:40 |
Cosmos 550 (Zenit-4MK, Germes) launched into 206 x 316 kilometre, 89.7 minutes period, 65.4 deg inclination orbit from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome by Voskhod 11A57 rocket. Variant of the manoeuvrable Zenit-4M with high resolution cameras. |
| 1973 Mar 6 |
09:20 |
Cosmos 551 (Zenit-4M, Rotor) launched into 205 x 295 kilometre, 89.5 minutes period, 65 deg inclination orbit from the Baikonur Cosmodrome by Voskhod 11A57 rocket. Upgraded Zenit-4 photo-reconnaissance satellite with orbit-adjustment engine. |
| 1973 Mar 11 |
|
Lunokhod 2 'lid' is opened and its batteries begin to charge prior to it third lunar day on the Moon |
| 1973 Mar 11 |
07:12 |
Cosmos 550 descent module lands for recovery after being commanded to re-enter the Earth's atmosphere. |
| 1973 Mar 14 |
21:16 |
Orbit of Cosmos 551 reported as 170 x 305 kilometres, 65 deg inclination with 89.5 minutes period. |
| 1973 Mar 15 |
10:42 |
Orbit of Cosmos 551 reported as 169 x 397 kilometres, 65 deg inclination with 89.3 minutes period. |
| 1973 Mar 16 |
07:44 |
Orbit of Cosmos 551 reported as 170 x 395 kilometres, 65 deg inclination with 90.2 minutes period. |
| 1973 Mar 20 |
04:48 |
Cosmos 551 descent module lands for recovery after being commanded to re-enter the Earth's atmosphere. |
| 1973 Mar 22 |
10:00 |
Cosmos 552 (Zenit-2M 11Ф690, Gektor) launched into 203 x 311 kilometre, 89.7 minutes period, 72.8 deg inclination orbit from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome by Voskhod 11A57 rocket. Photo-reconnaissance satellite. Carried Nauka autonomous module testing components of the Condor control unit for the upcoming Yantar series - it was separated about day 4 of the flight. |
| 1973 Mar 23 |
|
Lunokhod 2 is parked for its third lunar night, having travelled 16,533 metres and continued its programme of photography and soil measurements - it protective 'lid' is closed |
| 1973 Apr 3 |
04:19 |
Cosmos 552 descent module lands for recovery after being commanded to re-enter the Earth's atmosphere. |
| 1973 Apr 9 |
|
Lunokhod 2 'lid' is opened and its batteries begin to charge prior to it fourth lunar day on the Moon |
| 1973 Apr 19 |
08:59 |
Cosmos 554 (Zenit-4MK, Germes) launched into 202 x 352 kilometre, 90.1 minutes period, 72.9 deg inclination orbit from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome by Voskhod 11A57 rocket. Variant of the manoeuvrable Zenit-4M but with high resolution cameras. Disintegrated 1973 May7 approx 02:30, possibly as a result of detonation of the self-destruct system following failed attempt(s) at recovery. Recovery was expected around 1973 May 3. |
| 1973 Apr 19 |
17:31 |
Orbit of Cosmos 554 reported as 170 x 334 kilometres, 72.9 deg inclination with 90.1 minutes period. |
| 1973 Apr 20 |
08:40 |
Orbit of Cosmos 554 reported as 118 x 366 kilometres, 72.8 deg inclination with 89.6 minutes period. |
| 1973 Apr 20 |
22:06 |
Orbit of Cosmos 554 reported as 173 x 332 kilometres, 72.9 deg inclination with 89.4 minutes period. |
| 1973 Apr 22 |
|
Lunokhod 2 is parked for its fourth lunar night, having travelled 8,600 metres and continued its programme of photography and soil measurements - it protective 'lid' is closed |
| 1973 Apr 23 |
14:17 |
Orbit of Cosmos 554 reported as 170 x 328 kilometres, 72.9 deg inclination with 89.6 minutes period. |
| 1973 Apr 25 |
10:45 |
Cosmos 555 (Zenit-2M 11Ф690, Gektor) launched into 214 x 232 kilometre, 89 minutes period, 81.3 deg inclination orbit from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome by Voskhod 11A57 rocket. Photo-reconnaissance satellite. Carried Nauka autonomous module. |
| 1973 Apr 25 |
18:35 |
Orbit of Cosmos 554 reported as 170 x 379 kilometres, 72.8 deg inclination with 89.5 minutes period. |
| 1973 May 3 |
|
The anticipated re-entry and recovery of Cosmos 554 does not occur. |
| 1973 May 5 |
07:00 |
Cosmos 556 (Zenit-4MK, Germes) launched into 209 x 266 kilometre, 89.3 minutes period, 81.3 deg inclination orbit from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome by Voskhod 11A57 rocket. Variant of the manoeuvrable Zenit-4M with high resolution cameras. |
| 1973 May 5 |
15:20 |
Orbit of Cosmos 554 reported as 168 x 350 kilometres, 72.9 deg inclination with 90 minutes period. |
| 1973 May 6 |
19:48 |
Orbit of Cosmos 554 reported as 226 x 351 kilometres, 72.8 deg inclination with 89.7 minutes period. |
| 1973 May 7 |
02:30 |
Aprroximate time - after it proves not possible for Cosmos 554 to fire its retro rocket for re-entry, it is destroyed by deliberate explosion. |
| 1973 May 7 |
07:12 |
Cosmos 555 descent module lands for recovery after being commanded to re-enter the Earth's atmosphere. |
| 1973 May 8 |
|
Lunokhod 2 'lid' is opened and its batteries begin to charge prior to it fifth lunar day on the Moon |
| 1973 May 14 |
04:48 |
Cosmos 556 descent module lands for recovery after being commanded to re-enter the Earth's atmosphere. |
| 1973 May 18 |
11:00 |
Cosmos 559 (Zenit-4MK, Germes) launched into 204 x 324 kilometre, 89.8 minutes period, 65.4 deg inclination orbit from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome by Soyuz 11A511U rocket. Variant of the manoeuvrable Zenit-4M with high resolution cameras. |
| 1973 May 23 |
03:12 |
Cosmos 559 descent module lands for recovery after being commanded to re-enter the Earth's atmosphere. |
| 1973 May 23 |
10:30 |
Cosmos 560 (Zenit-4M, Rotor) launched into 202 x 313 kilometre, 89.7 minutes period, 72.8 deg inclination orbit from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome by Voskhod 11A57 rocket. Upgraded Zenit-4 photo-reconnaissance satellite with orbit-adjustment engine. |
| 1973 May 25 |
13:30 |
Cosmos 561 (Zenit-2M 11Ф690, Gektor) launched into 207 x 292 kilometre, 89.5 minutes period, 65.4 deg inclination orbit from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome by Voskhod 11A57 rocket. Photo-reconnaissance satellite. Carried Nauka autonomous module that contained a gamma ray telescope. |
| 1973 May 26 |
02:27 |
Orbit of Cosmos 560 reported as 180 x 306 kilometres, 72.8 deg inclination with 89.7 minutes period. |
| 1973 May 27 |
02:17 |
Orbit of Cosmos 560 reported as 176 x 323 kilometres, 72.9 deg inclination with 89.4 minutes period. |
| 1973 May 28 |
00:41 |
Orbit of Cosmos 560 reported as 177 x 329 kilometres, 72.8 deg inclination with 89.5 minutes period. |
| 1973 Jun 3 |
|
Lunokhod 2 is officially declared 'dead', having travelled a further 880 metres (it probably ceased to operate at least two weeks earlier, during the lunar day) - it has traveled a total of 37 kilometres and transmitted over 80,000 TV pictures and 86 TV panoramas, as well as conducting over 700 lunar soil tests |
| 1973 Jun 5 |
04:48 |
Cosmos 560 descent module lands for recovery after being commanded to re-enter the Earth's atmosphere. |
| 1973 Jun 6 |
05:55 |
Cosmos 561 descent module lands for recovery after being commanded to re-enter the Earth's atmosphere. |
| 1973 Jun 6 |
11:30 |
Cosmos 563 (Zenit-4M, Rotor) launched into 205 x 298 kilometre, 89.5 minutes period, 65.4 deg inclination orbit from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome by Voskhod 11A57 rocket. Upgraded Zenit-4 photo-reconnaissance satellite with orbit-adjustment engine. |
| 1973 Jun 10 |
10:10 |
Cosmos 572 (Zenit-4M, Rotor) launched into 207 x 281 kilometre, 89.3 minutes period, 51.6 deg inclination orbit from the Baikonur Cosmodrome by Voskhod 11A57 rocket. Upgraded Zenit-4 photo-reconnaissance satellite with orbit-adjustment engine. |
| 1973 Jun 10 |
16:31 |
Orbit of Cosmos 563 reported as 173 x 292 kilometres, 65.4 deg inclination with 89.5 minutes period. |
| 1973 Jun 11 |
11:50 |
Orbit of Cosmos 563 reported as 172 x 319 kilometres, 65.4 deg inclination with 89.2 minutes period. |
| 1973 Jun 18 |
04:48 |
Cosmos 563 descent module lands for recovery after being commanded to re-enter the Earth's atmosphere. |
| 1973 Jun 19 |
13:23 |
Orbit of Cosmos 572 reported as 171 x 260 kilometres, 51.6 deg inclination with 89.3 minutes period. |
| 1973 Jun 20 |
05:41 |
Orbit of Cosmos 572 reported as 170 x 302 kilometres, 51.7 deg inclination with 88.7 minutes period. |
| 1973 Jun 21 |
13:29 |
Cosmos 575 (Zenit-2M 11Ф690, Gektor) launched into 203 x 270 kilometre, 89.2 minutes period, 65.4 deg inclination orbit from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome by Voskhod 11A57 rocket. Photo-reconnaissance satellite. |
| 1973 Jun 23 |
06:55 |
Cosmos 572 descent module lands for recovery after being commanded to re-enter the Earth's atmosphere. |
| 1973 Jun 27 |
11:50 |
Cosmos 576 (Zenit-4MT, Orion) launched into 204 x 330 kilometre, 89.9 minutes period, 72.9 deg inclination orbit from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome by Soyuz 11A511M rocket. Photographic imaging satellite for cartography. |
| 1973 Jul 3 |
06:30 |
Cosmos 575 descent module lands for recovery after being commanded to re-enter the Earth's atmosphere. |
| 1973 Jul 4 |
|
Zenit-4M, Rotor launched from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome by Voskhod 11A57 rocket. Upgraded Zenit-4 photo-reconnaissance satellite with orbit-adjustment engine. |
| 1973 Jul 9 |
06:59 |
Cosmos 576 descent module lands for recovery after being commanded to re-enter the Earth's atmosphere. |
| 1973 Jul 25 |
11:30 |
Cosmos 577 (Zenit-4M, Rotor) launched into 206 x 288 kilometre, 89.5 minutes period, 65.4 deg inclination orbit from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome by Voskhod 11A57 rocket. Upgraded Zenit-4 photo-reconnaissance satellite with orbit-adjustment engine. |
| 1973 Aug 1 |
14:00 |
Cosmos 578 (Zenit-2M 11Ф690, Gektor) launched into 199 x 292 kilometre, 89.4 minutes period, 65.3 deg inclination orbit from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome by Voskhod 11A57 rocket. Photo-reconnaissance satellite. |
| 1973 Aug 7 |
04:36 |
Cosmos 577 descent module lands for recovery after being commanded to re-enter the Earth's atmosphere. |
| 1973 Aug 13 |
07:38 |
Cosmos 578 descent module lands for recovery after being commanded to re-enter the Earth's atmosphere. |
| 1973 Aug 21 |
12:30 |
Cosmos 579 (Zenit-4M, Rotor) launched into 204 x 292 kilometre, 89.5 minutes period, 65.4 deg inclination orbit from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome by Voskhod 11A57 rocket. Upgraded Zenit-4 photo-reconnaissance satellite with orbit-adjustment engine. |
| 1973 Aug 24 |
07:16 |
Orbit of Cosmos 579 reported as 168 x 288 kilometres, 65.4 deg inclination with 89.5 minutes period. |
| 1973 Aug 24 |
10:59 |
Cosmos 581 (Zenit-4M, Rotor) launched into 208 x 289 kilometre, 89.4 minutes period, 51.6 deg inclination orbit from the Baikonur Cosmodrome by Voskhod 11A57 rocket. Upgraded Zenit-4 photo-reconnaissance satellite with orbit-adjustment engine. |
| 1973 Aug 24 |
16:13 |
Orbit of Cosmos 579 reported as 174 x 313 kilometres, 65.4 deg inclination with 89.1 minutes period. |
| 1973 Aug 25 |
19:33 |
Orbit of Cosmos 581 reported as 174 x 285 kilometres, 51.6 deg inclination with 89.4 minutes period. |
| 1973 Aug 28 |
06:34 |
Orbit of Cosmos 579 reported as 173 x 305 kilometres, 65.4 deg inclination with 89.4 minutes period. |
| 1973 Aug 30 |
09:09 |
Orbit of Cosmos 579 reported as 172 x 274 kilometres, 65.4 deg inclination with 89.3 minutes period. |
| 1973 Aug 30 |
10:30 |
Cosmos 583 (Zenit-2M 11Ф690, Gektor) launched into 204 x 298 kilometre, 89.5 minutes period, 64.9 deg inclination orbit from the Baikonur Cosmodrome by Voskhod 11A57 rocket. Photo-reconnaissance satellite. |
| 1973 Aug 31 |
04:31 |
Orbit of Cosmos 581 reported as 170 x 272 kilometres, 51.6 deg inclination with 89 minutes period. |
| 1973 Sep 3 |
04:48 |
Cosmos 579 descent module lands for recovery after being commanded to re-enter the Earth's atmosphere. |
| 1973 Sep 4 |
03:24 |
Orbit of Cosmos 581 reported as 176 x 271 kilometres, 51.6 deg inclination with 88.8 minutes period. |
| 1973 Sep 6 |
07:33 |
Cosmos 581 descent module lands for recovery after being commanded to re-enter the Earth's atmosphere. |
| 1973 Sep 6 |
10:40 |
Cosmos 584 (Zenit-4M, Rotor) launched into 204 x 336 kilometre, 89.9 minutes period, 72.9 deg inclination orbit from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome by Voskhod 11A57 rocket. Upgraded Zenit-4 photo-reconnaissance satellite with orbit-adjustment engine. |
| 1973 Sep 9 |
01:25 |
Orbit of Cosmos 584 reported as 204 x 333 kilometres, 72.9 deg inclination with 89.9 minutes period. |
| 1973 Sep 10 |
04:22 |
Orbit of Cosmos 584 reported as 205 x 263 kilometres, 72.9 deg inclination with 89.9 minutes period. |
| 1973 Sep 12 |
07:12 |
Cosmos 583 descent module lands for recovery after being commanded to re-enter the Earth's atmosphere. |
| 1973 Sep 20 |
04:40 |
Cosmos 584 descent module lands for recovery after being commanded to re-enter the Earth's atmosphere. |
| 1973 Sep 21 |
13:05 |
Cosmos 587 (Zenit-4MK, Germes) launched into 204 x 301 kilometre, 89.6 minutes period, 65.4 deg inclination orbit from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome by Soyuz 11A511U rocket. Variant of the manoeuvrable Zenit-4M with high resolution cameras. |
| 1973 Sep 26 |
04:46 |
Orbit of Cosmos 587 reported as 204 x 296 kilometres, 65.4 deg inclination with 89.6 minutes period. |
| 1973 Sep 26 |
09:14 |
Orbit of Cosmos 587 reported as 177 x 289 kilometres, 65.4 deg inclination with 89.5 minutes period. |
| 1973 Sep 30 |
12:45 |
Orbit of Cosmos 587 reported as 171 x 283 kilometres, 65.4 deg inclination with 89.2 minutes period. |
| 1973 Oct 1 |
09:32 |
Orbit of Cosmos 587 reported as 172 x 328 kilometres, 65.4 deg inclination with 89.1 minutes period. |
| 1973 Oct 3 |
13:00 |
Cosmos 596 (Zenit-2M 11Ф690, Gektor) launched into 205 x 287 kilometre, 89.4 minutes period, 65.4 deg inclination orbit from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome by Voskhod 11A57 rocket. Photo-reconnaissance satellite. Carried Nauka autonomous module that held a test re-entry capsule for Yantar. Separation of the Yantar capsule's re-entry aeroshell failed and prevented deployment of the parachute. The capsule was subsequently destroyed on impact. Kettering Group telemetry analysis did not indicate the Nauka's presence. |
| 1973 Oct 4 |
06:31 |
Cosmos 587 descent module lands for recovery after being commanded to re-enter the Earth's atmosphere. |
| 1973 Oct 6 |
12:30 |
Cosmos 597 (Zenit-4MK, Germes) launched into 205 x 289 kilometre, 89.5 minutes period, 65.4 deg inclination orbit from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome by Voskhod 11A57 rocket. Variant of the manoeuvrable Zenit-4M with high resolution cameras. |
| 1973 Oct 9 |
07:41 |
Cosmos 596 descent module lands for recovery after being commanded to re-enter the Earth's atmosphere. |
| 1973 Oct 10 |
10:45 |
Cosmos 598 (Zenit-4M, Rotor) launched into 206 x 333 kilometre, 89.9 minutes period, 72.8 deg inclination orbit from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome by Voskhod 11A57 rocket. Upgraded Zenit-4 photo-reconnaissance satellite with orbit-adjustment engine. |
| 1973 Oct 12 |
07:12 |
Cosmos 597 descent module lands for recovery after being commanded to re-enter the Earth's atmosphere. |
| 1973 Oct 13 |
11:41 |
Orbit of Cosmos 598 reported as 207 x 241 kilometres, 72.8 deg inclination with 89.9 minutes period. |
| 1973 Oct 14 |
17:21 |
Orbit of Cosmos 598 reported as 203 x 245 kilometres, 72.8 deg inclination with 89 minutes period. |
| 1973 Oct 15 |
08:45 |
Cosmos 599 (Zenit-2M 11Ф690, Gektor) launched into 208 x 275 kilometre, 89.3 minutes period, 65 deg inclination orbit from the Baikonur Cosmodrome by Voskhod 11A57 rocket. Photo-reconnaissance satellite. |
| 1973 Oct 16 |
07:12 |
Cosmos 598 descent module lands for recovery after being commanded to re-enter the Earth's atmosphere. |
| 1973 Oct 16 |
12:00 |
Cosmos 600 (Zenit-4M, Rotor) launched into 204 x 339 kilometre, 90 minutes period, 72.8 deg inclination orbit from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome by Voskhod 11A57 rocket. Upgraded Zenit-4 photo-reconnaissance satellite with orbit-adjustment engine. |
| 1973 Oct 19 |
11:27 |
Orbit of Cosmos 600 reported as 199 x 235 kilometres, 72.8 deg inclination with 90 minutes period. |
| 1973 Oct 20 |
10:14 |
Cosmos 602 (Zenit-4MK, Germes) launched into 203 x 341 kilometre, 90 minutes period, 72.9 deg inclination orbit from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome by Voskhod 11A57 rocket. Variant of the manoeuvrable Zenit-4M with high resolution cameras. |
| 1973 Oct 20 |
12:38 |
Orbit of Cosmos 600 reported as 200 x 250 kilometres, 72.8 deg inclination with 88.9 minutes period. |
| 1973 Oct 21 |
04:59 |
Orbit of Cosmos 600 reported as 201 x 283 kilometres, 72.8 deg inclination with 89 minutes period. |
| 1973 Oct 23 |
07:12 |
Cosmos 600 descent module lands for recovery after being commanded to re-enter the Earth's atmosphere. |
| 1973 Oct 27 |
11:09 |
Cosmos 603 (Zenit-4M, Rotor) launched into 200 x 359 kilometre, 90.1 minutes period, 72.8 deg inclination orbit from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome by Voskhod 11A57 rocket. Upgraded Zenit-4 photo-reconnaissance satellite with orbit-adjustment engine. |
| 1973 Oct 28 |
07:12 |
Cosmos 599 descent module lands for recovery after being commanded to re-enter the Earth's atmosphere. |
| 1973 Oct 29 |
04:48 |
Cosmos 602 descent module lands for recovery after being commanded to re-enter the Earth's atmosphere. |
| 1973 Oct 31 |
18:24 |
Cosmos 605 (Bion №1) launched into 214 x 400 kilometre, 90.7 minutes period, 62.8 deg inclination orbit from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome by Soyuz 11A511U rocket. Biological research satellite, probably based on the Zenit reconsat (probably the 2M version) with the experiments payload replacing the cameras. |
| 1973 Nov 9 |
07:12 |
Cosmos 603 descent module lands for recovery after being commanded to re-enter the Earth's atmosphere. |
| 1973 Nov 10 |
12:38 |
Cosmos 607 (Zenit-4MK, Germes) launched into 203 x 340 kilometre, 90 minutes period, 72.8 deg inclination orbit from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome by Voskhod 11A57 rocket. Variant of the manoeuvrable Zenit-4M with high resolution cameras. |
| 1973 Nov 14 |
10:54 |
Orbit of Cosmos 607 reported as 204 x 337 kilometres, 72.8 deg inclination with 90 minutes period. |
| 1973 Nov 15 |
10:54 |
Orbit of Cosmos 607 reported as 208 x 354 kilometres, 72.8 deg inclination with 90 minutes period. |
| 1973 Nov 21 |
10:00 |
Cosmos 609 (Zenit-4M, Rotor) launched into 173 x 338 kilometre, 89.6 minutes period, 69.9 deg inclination orbit from the Baikonur Cosmodrome by Voskhod 11A57 rocket. Upgraded Zenit-4 photo-reconnaissance satellite with orbit-adjustment engine. |
| 1973 Nov 22 |
07:12 |
Cosmos 605 descent module lands for recovery after being commanded to re-enter the Earth's atmosphere. |
| 1973 Nov 27 |
13:52 |
Orbit of Cosmos 609 reported as 173 x 330 kilometres, 69.9 deg inclination with 89.6 minutes period. |
| 1973 Nov 28 |
11:43 |
Cosmos 612 (Zenit-4MK, Germes) launched into 205 x 345 kilometre, 90.1 minutes period, 72.8 deg inclination orbit from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome by Voskhod 11A57 rocket. Variant of the manoeuvrable Zenit-4M with high resolution cameras. |
| 1973 Nov 29 |
15:05 |
Orbit of Cosmos 609 reported as 172 x 291 kilometres, 69.9 deg inclination with 89.6 minutes period. |
| 1973 Dec 4 |
07:24 |
Cosmos 609 descent module lands for recovery after being commanded to re-enter the Earth's atmosphere. |
| 1973 Dec 6 |
00:49 |
Orbit of Cosmos 612 reported as 186 x 335 kilometres, 72.8 deg inclination with 90.1 minutes period. |
| 1973 Dec 7 |
08:14 |
Orbit of Cosmos 612 reported as 167 x 307 kilometres, 72.9 deg inclination with 89.8 minutes period. |
| 1973 Dec 11 |
07:12 |
Cosmos 612 descent module lands for recovery after being commanded to re-enter the Earth's atmosphere. |
| 1973 Dec 17 |
12:00 |
Cosmos 616 (Zenit-4MT, Orion) launched into 205 x 331 kilometre, 89.9 minutes period, 72.8 deg inclination orbit from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome by Soyuz 11A511M rocket. Photographic imaging satellite for cartography. |
| 1973 Dec 21 |
12:30 |
Cosmos 625 (Zenit-4MK, Germes) launched into 202 x 320 kilometre, 89.8 minutes period, 72.8 deg inclination orbit from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome by Voskhod 11A57 rocket. Variant of the manoeuvrable Zenit-4M with high resolution cameras. |
| 1973 Dec 22 |
10:44 |
Orbit of Cosmos 625 reported as 203 x 320 kilometres, 72.8 deg inclination with 89.8 minutes period. |
| 1973 Dec 23 |
18:11 |
Orbit of Cosmos 625 reported as 203 x 342 kilometres, 72.8 deg inclination with 89.8 minutes period. |
| 1973 Dec 25 |
01:41 |
Orbit of Cosmos 625 reported as 204 x 341 kilometres, 72.8 deg inclination with 90 minutes period. |
| 1973 Dec 27 |
12:09 |
Orbit of Cosmos 625 reported as 186 x 339 kilometres, 72.8 deg inclination with 90 minutes period. |
| 1973 Dec 28 |
07:12 |
Cosmos 616 descent module lands for recovery after being commanded to re-enter the Earth's atmosphere. |
| 1973 Dec 29 |
19:31 |
Orbit of Cosmos 625 reported as 186 x 337 kilometres, 72.8 deg inclination with 89.8 minutes period. |
| 1973 Dec 30 |
11:58 |
Orbit of Cosmos 625 reported as 169 x 320 kilometres, 72.8 deg inclination with 89.8 minutes period. |
