Sputnik 3 - History

History

In July 1956, the Soviet Union's OKB-1 drafted a project to design and build the first Earth satellite, designated ISZ (Artificial Earth Satellite). ISZ, known to its designers as "Object D." Design of Object D had begun in January 1956 with intent to launch it during the International Geophysical Year. Object D was planned to be the first satellite launched by the Soviet Union but ended up being the third following delays due to problems developing the extensive scientific experiments and their telemetry system. The new R-7 intercontinental ballistic missile also known by its GURVO designation 8K71. was ready to launch before Object D was finished. Worried at the prospect of America launching a satellite before he did, Sergei Korolev substituted the relatively simple "Prosteyshiy Sputnik-1" meaning "Simple Satellite 1," or PS-1, which was labeled Sputnik 1 by the Soviet Government, as the first satellite to be launched, instead. The Sputnik 2 (PS-2) was also ready earlier and launched earlier than Object D. Like its American counterpart, Vanguard, Object D had succeeded in making it into orbit during the IGY.