# Cosmos 1298
**Wikidata**: [Q12907352](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q12907352)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/cosmos-1298

## Summary
Cosmos 1298 is a Soviet/Russian spy satellite, specifically an instance of the Yantar-4K2 class. It was launched on August 21, 1981, from Gagarin's Start using a Soyuz-U rocket. This satellite played a role in the Soviet Union's space-based reconnaissance efforts.

## Key Facts
- **Alias:** Kosmos 1298
- **COSPAR ID:** 1981-080A
- **Launch Date:** August 21, 1981
- **Launch Time:** 10:20:00
- **Launch Site:** Gagarin's Start
- **Launch Vehicle:** Soyuz-U rocket
- **Satellite Class:** Yantar-4K2 (Soviet/Russian spy satellite)
- **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN):** 12776

## FAQs
### Q: What is Cosmos 1298?
A: Cosmos 1298 is a Soviet/Russian spy satellite. It is classified as an instance of the Yantar-4K2 satellite class, designed for reconnaissance purposes.

### Q: When and where was Cosmos 1298 launched?
A: Cosmos 1298 was launched on August 21, 1981, at 10:20:00. Its launch originated from Gagarin's Start.

### Q: What type of rocket was used to launch Cosmos 1298?
A: Cosmos 1298 was launched into orbit by a Soyuz-U rocket. The Soyuz-U is a variant of the Soyuz rocket design, developed in the Soviet Union.

## Why It Matters
Cosmos 1298 holds significance as a component of the Soviet Union's intelligence-gathering infrastructure during the Cold War era. As a Yantar-4K2 class spy satellite, it represented the advanced capabilities of Soviet space technology in reconnaissance. These satellites played a crucial role in monitoring activities of other nations, providing photographic intelligence that was vital for strategic planning and national security. The successful launch and operation of Cosmos 1298, utilizing the reliable Soyuz-U launch vehicle, underscored the Soviet Union's commitment to maintaining a robust space-based surveillance network. Its existence contributed to the broader geopolitical landscape, influencing international relations and military strategies by providing critical, albeit covert, information. The Yantar-4K2 program, of which Cosmos 1298 was a part, was a key element in the development of Soviet and later Russian optical reconnaissance systems, shaping the evolution of space-based intelligence for decades.

## Notable For
- Being a Soviet/Russian spy satellite of the Yantar-4K2 class.
- Its specific launch date of August 21, 1981, from the historic Gagarin's Start.
- Being launched by a Soyuz-U rocket, a widely used Soviet launch vehicle.
- Its unique COSPAR ID 1981-080A and Satellite Catalog Number (SCN) 12776.

## Body

### Overview
- Cosmos 1298 is identified as a Soviet/Russian spy satellite.
- It is an instance of the Yantar-4K2 class of satellites.
- The satellite is also known by its alias, Kosmos 1298.

### Launch Details
- Cosmos 1298 was launched on August 21, 1981.
- The launch occurred at 10:20:00.
- The launch site was Gagarin's Start.
- The launch vehicle used was a Soyuz-U rocket.
- The Soyuz-U is a Soyuz rocket design variant, originating from the Soviet Union.

### Identifiers
- The COSPAR ID for Cosmos 1298 is 1981-080A.
- Its Satellite Catalog Number (SCN) is 12776.
- The Wolfram Language entity code for this satellite is Entity["Satellite", "12776"].

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report