# Cosmos-1408 > Soviet artificial satellite destroyed by ASAT missile **Wikidata**: [Q12907386](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q12907386) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kosmos_1408) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/cosmos-1408 ## Summary Cosmos-1408 was a Soviet electronic intelligence satellite of the Tselina-D class, launched on September 16, 1982, and destroyed on November 15, 2021, by an ASAT missile test conducted by Russia. It was part of the Soviet Union's signals intelligence program and operated in low Earth orbit. ## Key Facts - **Class**: Tselina-D (Soviet signals intelligence satellite) - **Launch Date**: September 16, 1982, at 04:55 UTC from Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 32 - **Launch Vehicle**: Tsyklon-3 (serial number 45029-806) - **Mass**: 1,750 kilograms - **Manufacturer**: Pivdenne Design Office (general contractor) - **COSPAR ID**: 1982-092A - **NSSDCA ID**: 1982-092A - **Destruction Date**: November 15, 2021, at 02:47:31 UTC via an A-235 anti-ballistic missile system - **Country of Origin**: Soviet Union - **Aliases**: Kosmos-1408, Ikar No. 39L, كوسموس 1408 ## FAQs ### Q: What was Cosmos-1408 used for? A: Cosmos-1408 was a Soviet electronic intelligence satellite designed for signals intelligence (ELINT) operations, part of the Tselina-D series. ### Q: How was Cosmos-1408 destroyed? A: It was destroyed on November 15, 2021, by an ASAT missile test conducted by Russia using the A-235 anti-ballistic missile system. ### Q: What was the launch vehicle for Cosmos-1408? A: It was launched by a Tsyklon-3 rocket from Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 32 on September 16, 1982. ### Q: What was the mass of Cosmos-1408? A: The satellite had a mass of 1,750 kilograms. ### Q: What was the significance of Cosmos-1408's destruction? A: Its destruction was part of a Russian ASAT test that created a significant debris field in orbit, raising concerns about space safety and sustainability. ## Why It Matters Cosmos-1408 was a critical component of the Soviet Union's electronic intelligence network, designed to intercept and analyze foreign communications. Its destruction in 2021 was part of a Russian anti-satellite (ASAT) missile test, which generated a large debris cloud in low Earth orbit. This event highlighted the growing risks of space debris and the potential for unintended consequences of ASAT tests. The incident also underscored the need for international cooperation to manage space traffic and mitigate the hazards posed by orbital debris. ## Notable For - **First Tselina-D satellite destroyed by ASAT**: Cosmos-1408 was the first satellite of the Tselina-D class to be intentionally destroyed by an ASAT missile. - **Significant debris generation**: The destruction created a substantial debris field, contributing to the growing problem of space junk. - **Historical ELINT satellite**: As part of the Tselina-D series, it played a key role in Soviet electronic intelligence operations. - **Russian ASAT test**: Its destruction was part of a test of Russia's A-235 anti-ballistic missile system, demonstrating advanced space warfare capabilities. ## Body ### Overview Cosmos-1408 was a Soviet electronic intelligence satellite launched on September 16, 1982, as part of the Tselina-D series. The satellite was designed for signals intelligence (ELINT) operations, allowing the Soviet Union to intercept and analyze foreign communications. It was launched from Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 32 using a Tsyklon-3 rocket, with a mass of 1,750 kilograms. ### Launch and Operation The satellite was successfully deployed into low Earth orbit, where it operated as part of the Soviet Union's electronic surveillance network. Its primary function was to gather intelligence by intercepting and analyzing radio signals from foreign sources. The Tselina-D class was known for its advanced ELINT capabilities, making Cosmos-1408 a valuable asset for Soviet intelligence operations. ### Destruction On November 15, 2021, Cosmos-1408 was intentionally destroyed by an ASAT missile test conducted by Russia. The test used the A-235 anti-ballistic missile system, which targeted and intercepted the satellite. The destruction generated a significant debris field, contributing to the growing problem of space debris in low Earth orbit. The event was part of Russia's efforts to demonstrate its anti-satellite capabilities, though it also raised concerns about the long-term sustainability of space activities. ### Legacy Cosmos-1408's destruction marked a significant moment in space history, highlighting the risks associated with ASAT tests and the need for responsible space practices. The satellite's role in Soviet intelligence operations and its eventual fate as a target in a high-profile ASAT test make it a notable entry in the history of space exploration and military space activities. ## References 1. Jonathan's Space Report 2. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/tselina-d.htm) 3. [Source](https://spacenews.com/u-s-was-not-blindsided-by-russias-anti-satellite-test-say-officials/) 4. [Source](https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/43140/russian-anti-satellite-test-produces-dangerous-debris-cloud-in-orbit-reports) 5. [Source](https://www.yuzhnoye.com/company/history/electronic-surveillance-spacecraft.html)