Kosmos 133

Kosmos 133 (Russian: Космос 133 meaning Cosmos 133), or Soyuz 7K-OK No.2 was the first unmanned test flight of the Soyuz spacecraft, and first mission of the Soyuz programme, as part of the Soviet space programme.

Launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome aboard the maiden flight of the Soyuz carrier rocket, Kosmos 133 was planned "all up" test, to include an automated docking with a second Soyuz (Soyuz 7K-OK No.1), which was scheduled for launch the day after Kosmos 133. Problems found during ground testing of the second spacecraft resulted in its launch being delayed, and it was destroyed when its carrier rocket exploded on its launch pad following a scrubbed launch attempt in December.

Before this, the attitude control system of Kosmos 133 malfunctioned, resulting in rapid consumption of orientation fuel, leaving it spinning at 2 rpm. After large efforts by ground control and 5 attempts at retrofire over two days, the craft was finally coming down for a landing. Due to the inaccuracy of the reentry burn, it was determined that the capsule would land in China. The self-destruct command was given and the satellite exploded November 30, 1966 at 10:21 GMT.

In November 30, fireball passed over west Japan and was recorded by photos and a sketch. Kōichirō Tomita identified that was Kosmos 133.