# Cosmos 1461
**Wikidata**: [Q12907404](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q12907404)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/cosmos-1461

## Summary
Cosmos 1461 was a Soviet US-P class satellite launched on May 7, 1983, from the Baikonur Cosmodrome aboard a Tsyklon-2 rocket. It was part of the Soviet Union's military space program and is identified by the COSPAR ID 1983-044A. The satellite is also known by the alias Kosmos 1461.

## Key Facts
- Official designation: Cosmos 1461
- Alternate name: Kosmos 1461
- COSPAR ID: 1983-044A
- Satellite Catalog Number (SCN): 14064
- Instance of: US-P class satellite
- Launch date: May 7, 1983
- Launch time: 10:30 UTC
- Launch site: Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 90
- Launch vehicle: Tsyklon-2
- Significant event: Rocket launch

## FAQs
### Q: What is Cosmos 1461?
A: Cosmos 1461 is a Soviet military satellite launched in 1983 as part of the US-P program. It was designed for ocean surveillance and reconnaissance purposes.

### Q: When was Cosmos 1461 launched?
A: Cosmos 1461 was launched on May 7, 1983, at 10:30 UTC from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan using a Tsyklon-2 launch vehicle.

### Q: What was the purpose of Cosmos 1461?
A: Cosmos 1461 belonged to the US-P class of satellites, which were used by the Soviet Union for maritime reconnaissance and intelligence-gathering operations over the oceans.

## Why It Matters
Cosmos 1461 represents a key component of the Soviet Union’s Cold War-era space-based military capabilities. As part of the US-P program, it contributed to the USSR's efforts to monitor naval activity, particularly that of NATO forces. These satellites played a strategic role in enhancing situational awareness across global waters during a period of heightened geopolitical tension. Its successful deployment demonstrated the USSR's advanced technological capacity in space surveillance systems and marked continued progress in dual-use satellite technology—capable of both civilian and defense applications.

## Notable For
- Being part of the classified US-P ocean surveillance satellite program
- Launched using the reliable Tsyklon-2 rocket, a Ukrainian-Soviet expendable launch system
- Assigned SCN 14064, used for tracking and identification purposes
- One of multiple Kosmos missions launched under the cover of the Cosmos naming convention
- Represents Soviet advancements in electronic intelligence (ELINT) and maritime monitoring technologies

## Body
### Mission Overview
Cosmos 1461 was a Soviet satellite belonging to the US-P series, a group of low Earth orbit reconnaissance platforms operated by the Soviet military. These satellites were primarily tasked with detecting and tracking naval vessels through radio and radar emissions.

### Technical Classification
The spacecraft was categorized under the US-P class, indicating its specialized function within the Soviet Union's broader constellation of intelligence-gathering assets. This classification aligns with Western designations for Soviet ELINT (Electronic Intelligence) satellites.

### Launch Details
- **Launch Date**: May 7, 1983  
- **Launch Time**: 10:30 UTC  
- **Launch Site**: Baikonur Cosmodrome, Site 90  
- **Launch Vehicle**: Tsyklon-2  

The Tsyklon-2 was a two-stage liquid-fueled launch vehicle developed by the Soviet Union and later used by Ukraine. It was commonly employed for launching military payloads into polar orbits.

### Identification and Tracking
- **COSPAR ID**: 1983-044A  
- **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN)**: 14064  
This identifier is used globally for orbital object tracking and cataloging by organizations such as the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD).

### Operational Context
As part of the Cosmos mission series, Cosmos 1461 followed the standard practice of assigning the generic “Kosmos” name to various Soviet satellites, often masking their true military functions. The US-P program specifically focused on maritime patrol and signal interception, providing critical tactical data during the Cold War era.

### Legacy
While detailed operational information remains limited due to the classified nature of the mission, Cosmos 1461 exemplifies the integration of space technology into national security strategies during the mid-20th century. Its launch reflects the scale and sophistication of Soviet space-based intelligence infrastructure.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report