Kosmos 8

Kosmos 8 was a Soviet satellite launched as part of the Kosmos program. It was an experimental meteorological satellite designed to test systems and equipment for future operational weather satellites. Launched on December 1, 1962, from the Baikonur Cosmodrome using a Vostok-2 carrier rocket, Kosmos 8 was primarily focused on gathering atmospheric data and evaluating the performance of its sensors. This included testing television cameras for cloud observation and infrared radiometers for measuring thermal radiation from the Earth's surface and atmosphere. The data collected from Kosmos 8 contributed to the development of more advanced meteorological satellites and improved weather forecasting capabilities.