Russian Sputnik (R-7 / 8K71PS)
Historical
The R-7-derived vehicle (variant 8K71PS) that launched Sputnik 1, the first artificial satellite, and opened the Space Race. This describes the launch vehicle, not the satellite payload, to match the data-sheet format. Data sourced from Astronautix and Wikipedia — reasonable consensus figures, good as a hand-key simulator starting point.
Geometry
Overall length29.2 m
Core stage diameter2.99 m
Base diameter (incl. 4 strap-on boosters)10.3 m
Mass Properties
Gross liftoff massapprox. 267,000 kg
Propulsion
| Stage | Engine | Propellant | Thrust | Burn Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 (4 strap-on boosters) | 4× RD-107 | LOX/kerosene | approx. 3,880 kN combined | approx. 120 s |
| Stage 2 (core) | 1× RD-108 | LOX/kerosene | approx. 910 kN | approx. 300 s |
Aerodynamics
CDNot published; tapered core stage surrounded by 4 conical strap-on boosters (classic “R-7” cluster shape)
Flight Conditions
Launch siteBaikonur Cosmodrome, Site 1/5 (approx. 45.6° N)
Achieved orbit (Sputnik 1)approx. 227 × 945 km, inclination 65.0°