Vostok-K

Vostok-K

Vostok-K rocket
Function	Carrier rocket
Manufacturer	OKB-1
Country of origin	Soviet Union
Size
Stages	Two
Capacity
Payload to LEO	4,730 kilograms (10,430 lb)
Associated rockets
Family	R-7
Derivatives	Vostok-2
Launch history
Status	Retired
Launch sites	Baikonur Site 1/5
Total launches	13
Successes	11
Failures	2
First flight	22 December 1960
Last flight	10 July 1964
Notable payloads	Vostok
Boosters
No. boosters	4
Engines	1 RD-107-8D74-1959
Thrust	970.86 kN
Total thrust	3,883.4 kN
Burn time	118 seconds
Fuel	RP-1/LOX
First stage
Engines	1 RD-108-8D75-1959
Thrust	912 kN
Burn time	301 seconds
Fuel	RP-1/LOX
Second stage
Engines	1 RD-0109
Thrust	54.5 kN
Burn time	365 seconds
Fuel	RP-1/LOX

The Vostok-K (Russian: Восток meaning "East"), GRAU index 8K72K was an expendable carrier rocket used by the Soviet Union for thirteen launches between 1960 and 1964, six of which were manned. It was derived from the earlier Vostok-L; however, it featured uprated engines to improve performance, and enlarge its payload capacity. It was a member of the R-7 family of rockets.

The Vostok-K made its maiden flight on 22 December 1960, three weeks after the retirement of the Vostok-L. The third stage engine failed 425 seconds after launch, and the payload, a Korabl'-Sputnik spacecraft, failed to reach orbit. The spacecraft was recovered after landing, and the two dogs aboard the spacecraft survived the flight.

On 12 April 1961, a Vostok-K rocket was used to launch Vostok 1, the first manned spaceflight, which made Yuri Gagarin the first human to fly in space. All six manned missions of the Vostok programme were launched using Vostok-K rockets. The first two Zenit reconnaissance satellites were also launched with the Vostok-K, but it was soon replaced in that capacity with the uprated 8A92 booster. After the conclusion of the Vostok program, there were two remaining 8K72Ks left; these were used to launch four Elektron scientific satellites on January 30 and July 10, 1964.