Kosmos 305 Explained

Kosmos 305
Operator:Soviet space program
Cospar Id:1969-092A
Satcat:4150
Spacecraft Type:Ye-8-5
Manufacturer:GSMZ Lavochkin
Launch Mass:5600kg (12,300lb)[1]
Launch Date: UTC[2]
Launch Rocket:Proton-K/D
Launch Site:Baikonur 81/24
Disposal Type:Launch failure
Decay Date:October 24, 1969
Orbit Reference:Geocentric
Orbit Periapsis:1820NaN0
Orbit Apoapsis:2080NaN0
Orbit Inclination:51.4°
Orbit Period:88.4 min
Apsis:gee
Programme:Luna programme
Previous Mission:Kosmos 300
Next Mission:Luna 1970A
Programme2:Kosmos (satellites)
Previous Mission2:Kosmos 304
Next Mission2:Kosmos 306

Kosmos 305 (Russian: Космос 305 meaning Cosmos 305) (Ye-8-5 series) was the fifth Soviet attempt at an uncrewed lunar sample return. It was probably similar in design to the Luna 16 spacecraft. It was launched, on a Proton rocket, on October 22, 1969.[3] The engines on the Block D upper stage failed, terminating the mission. This left the spacecraft stranded in Earth orbit. It re-entered within two days.[4]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: NASA NSSDC Master Catalog - Cosmos 305 . 25 May 2024.
  2. Web site: Luna Ye-8-5 - Encyclopedia Astronautica . 25 May 2024.
  3. Web site: Luna - Exploring the Moon. orbitalfocus.uk. February 23, 2023.
  4. Kosmos 305 [Luna]]. Siddiqi. Asif A. . 2018. Beyond Earth: A Chronicle of Deep Space Exploration, 1958-2016. NASA History Program Office. February 23, 2023. 92.