This cover hatch from the Voskhod (Sunrise) spacecraft 3VK landing capsule was sent to space on October 6, 1964 as part of test program prior to manned flights.
The outer surface of the hatch’s heat shield protection is partly burned out during re-entry through atmosphere. At 80 km., the temperature rises across the surface of the heat shield, as the plasma sheath surrounds the craft. Inside the module, the crew observe the dancing purple flares and sense the searing heat as they plummet earthwards.
This reentry capsule was dragged by the wind after landing.
After this one test flight experience, the manned Voskhod flight followed six days later on October 12, 1964, and it was the first multi-person space flight — with the brave crew of Komarov, Feoktistov, and Egorov. (Komarov later died on the first Soyuz flight).
It was also the final flight of the Voskhod 3VK. The context provides a fascinating peek into decision-making during the space race. From Encyclopedia Astronautica:
“It became clear within the Soviet Union in 1964 that development of the Soyuz spacecraft was delayed. Known American plans for their new Gemini spacecraft indicated that this would allow the United States to set new space records for the first time in the space race. To prevent his from happening, the Voskhod spacecraft series was conceived. These were modifications of the single-seat Vostok. One version was to carry up to three crew, another added an airlock for spacewalks, a third was to have an improved environmental control system for extended missions. Unlike Gemini and Soyuz, Voskhod could not maneuver in orbit, and therefore could not conduct rendezvous or docking operations. But they could be used to snatch from Gemini any new space firsts – first multi-man spacecraft, first spacewalk, and first in space for two weeks. Voskhod 1 and 2 achieved the first two objectives.” (more below)
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