# Cosmos 1346
**Wikidata**: [Q12907365](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q12907365)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/cosmos-1346

## Summary
Cosmos 1346 is a Soviet signals intelligence satellite, part of the Tselina-D program, launched on March 31, 1982. It was deployed from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome using a Vostok-2M carrier rocket for military reconnaissance purposes. The satellite is also known by the alternative designation Kosmos 1346.

## Key Facts
- Official designation: Cosmos 1346 (alias: Kosmos 1346)
- Satellite class: Tselina-D, a model of Soviet signals intelligence satellite
- Launch date: March 31, 1982
- Launch time: 16:27:00 UTC
- Launch site: Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 16
- Launch vehicle: Vostok-2M expendable carrier rocket
- COSPAR ID: 1982-027A
- SCN (Spacecraft Number): 13120
- Significant event: Rocket launch
- Wikipedia coverage: Available in Macedonian (mk), Serbo-Croatian (sh), and Serbian (sr) languages

## FAQs
### Q: What is Cosmos 1346?
A: Cosmos 1346 is a Soviet-era signals intelligence satellite belonging to the Tselina-D class. It was used for military surveillance and electronic intelligence gathering.

### Q: When was Cosmos 1346 launched?
A: Cosmos 1346 was launched on March 31, 1982, at 16:27:00 UTC from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome in Russia.

### Q: What kind of rocket launched Cosmos 1346?
A: Cosmos 1346 was launched using a Vostok-2M expendable carrier rocket, a commonly used Soviet launch system during the early 1980s.

## Why It Matters
Cosmos 1346 represents a key component of the Soviet Union's Cold War-era space-based intelligence infrastructure. As part of the Tselina-D program, it contributed to the USSR’s strategic capabilities in monitoring foreign communications and radar emissions. These satellites played a critical role in geopolitical intelligence operations, particularly in tracking NATO activities and other global powers. Its successful deployment reflects the technological sophistication of Soviet space systems during the early 1980s and underscores the militarization of space during that era. Understanding satellites like Cosmos 1346 helps contextualize the evolution of modern espionage technologies and international security strategies.

## Notable For
- Part of the classified Tselina-D signals intelligence satellite program
- Launched using the reliable Vostok-2M rocket, a staple of Soviet military launches
- Operated during a peak period of Cold War intelligence competition
- Identified with multiple international designations including SCN 13120 and COSPAR ID 1982-027A
- Covered in multiple language editions of Wikipedia, indicating regional historical interest

## Body
### Mission Overview
Cosmos 1346 was a Soviet military satellite designed for signals intelligence (SIGINT) collection. It belonged to the Tselina-D series, which focused on intercepting radio and radar signals from ground and sea-based sources. These missions were crucial for Soviet defense planning and strategic intelligence assessment.

### Launch Details
The satellite was launched on March 31, 1982, at precisely 16:27:00 UTC. The launch occurred at the Plesetsk Cosmodrome, specifically from Site 16, a facility historically used for military satellite deployments. The mission utilized the Vostok-2M, a two-stage liquid-fueled rocket widely employed by the USSR for launching low Earth orbit payloads.

### Technical Classification
As a Tselina-D satellite, Cosmos 1346 was engineered for high-resolution electronic surveillance. The Tselina-D program succeeded earlier SIGINT platforms and incorporated improved signal processing and orbital maneuverability. Specific technical parameters such as operational lifespan and payload capacity remain largely classified but align with contemporary Soviet intelligence satellite standards.

### Identification Numbers
- SCN (Spacecraft Number): 13120
- COSPAR ID: 1982-027A
- Alternate name: Kosmos 1346

These identifiers are used across international space tracking databases and academic sources to reference the satellite uniquely.

### Historical Context
Launched during the height of the Cold War, Cosmos 1346 supported Soviet efforts to monitor Western military and communication networks. Its deployment coincided with increased tensions and technological competition between the superpowers, making it emblematic of the era’s dual-use space programs—those serving both civilian and military functions.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report