# Cosmos 1496
**Wikidata**: [Q13566630](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q13566630)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/cosmos-1496

## Summary
Cosmos 1496 was a Soviet spy satellite launched in 1983 as part of the Yantar-4K1 class, designed for photo reconnaissance. It was deployed using a Soyuz-U rocket from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome, contributing to the Soviet Union's Cold War-era intelligence-gathering efforts. The satellite is identified by COSPAR ID 1983-093A and satellite catalog number 14326.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: September 7, 1983, at 13:24:00 UTC.
- **COSPAR ID**: 1983-093A.
- **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN)**: 14326.
- **Class**: Yantar-4K1, a Soviet military reconnaissance satellite.
- **Launch Vehicle**: Soyuz-U rocket, a variant of the Soyuz design.
- **Launch Site**: Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 16.
- **Mission Type**: Photo reconnaissance for military intelligence.

## FAQs
### Q: What was the purpose of Cosmos 1496?
A: Cosmos 1496 was a Soviet spy satellite designed for photo reconnaissance, gathering imagery for military intelligence during the Cold War.

### Q: When and where was Cosmos 1496 launched?
A: It launched on September 7, 1983, at 13:24:00 UTC from Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 16 in the Soviet Union.

### Q: What rocket was used to launch Cosmos 1496?
A: The satellite was deployed using a Soyuz-U rocket, a reliable and widely used variant of the Soyuz launch vehicle.

## Why It Matters
Cosmos 1496 represents a key component of the Soviet Union's Cold War surveillance infrastructure. As part of the Yantar-4K1 class, it played a critical role in gathering high-resolution photographic intelligence, supporting military operations and strategic decision-making. Its launch on a Soyuz-U rocket underscores the reliability and adaptability of Soviet space technology during this period. While individual satellites like Cosmos 1496 were not publicly highlighted, their collective contributions reinforced the Soviet Union's capabilities in space-based reconnaissance, a vital aspect of superpower rivalry. This satellite exemplifies the integration of space assets into national security frameworks, a practice that remains relevant today.

## Notable For
- **Yantar-4K1 Class Membership**: Part of a series of film-return reconnaissance satellites used for detailed ground imaging.
- **Soyuz-U Launch Vehicle**: Utilized a rocket variant known for its reliability in deploying military and scientific payloads.
- **Cold War Surveillance Role**: Contributed to Soviet intelligence efforts during a period of heightened geopolitical tension.
- **Plesetsk Cosmodrome Launch**: Launched from a primary Soviet space facility, reflecting standardized military satellite deployment practices.

## Body
### Launch Details
- **Date/Time**: September 7, 1983, at 13:24:00 UTC.
- **Site**: Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 16, a frequent launch point for Soviet military satellites.
- **Vehicle**: Soyuz-U (Universal), a modified Soyuz rocket optimized for diverse payloads.

### Satellite Specifications
- **Class**: Yantar-4K1, designed for low Earth orbit photo reconnaissance.
- **Mission**: Captured film imagery of terrestrial targets, with capsules returning to Earth for recovery.
- **Identifiers**:
  - **COSPAR ID**: 1983-093A.
  - **SCN**: 14326.

### Mission Context
- **Historical Significance**: Operated during the Cold War, supporting Soviet military intelligence needs.
- **Technological Context**: The Yantar-4K1 series and Soyuz-U rockets were mainstays of Soviet space-based reconnaissance, emphasizing practicality and secrecy.
- **Operational Pattern**: Typical of Soviet satellites of its class, Cosmos 1496 followed a regime of frequent launches to maintain continuous surveillance capabilities.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report