Cosmos 21

Russia

Launch data:

Designation	00687 / 63044A
Launch date	11 Nov 1963 - 6:23 UT
Launch site	B, LC1
Launch vehicle	Molniya 8K78
Mission	Interpl. Venus probe
Satellite type	3MV-1 (#1)
Earth orbit on:
Perigee / Apogee	182 / 216 km
Inclination	64.83°
Period	88.50 min

Spacecraft data::

Prime contractor	Lavochkin.
Mass at launch	6520 kg
Dry Mass	890 kg
Dimension
Basic shape
Solar array
Stabilization
DC power

Decay:

Descent date:	14 Nov 1963
Lifetime:	2.86 days

Description:

Although this spacecraft was similar on the spacecraft the Soviet Union was sending to Mars and Venus, this mission was designated as a lunar flyby to verify various technologies.

Mission details:

During unpowered coast in parking orbit the escape stage Block L lost stable attitude. Engine ignition occurred in an incorrect direction. The stage with payload remained in Earth orbit and burnt up on re-entry.
The spacecraft reached Earth orbit, but was most likely destroyed when the final stage designed to send it to the Moon exploded.

Ref.: #1, #3, #6r, #7, #8, #102 - update: 7.05.05