# Cosmos 1568
**Wikidata**: [Q13566663](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q13566663)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/cosmos-1568

## Summary  
Cosmos 1568 was a Soviet reconnaissance satellite launched in 1984 as part of the Zenit 6U spy satellite program. It was deployed to conduct photographic surveillance from low Earth orbit, supporting Soviet military intelligence efforts during the Cold War.  

## Key Facts  
- **Launch Date**: June 1, 1984  
- **COSPAR ID**: 1984-054A  
- **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN)**: 15011  
- **Launch Vehicle**: Soyuz-U rocket  
- **Launch Site**: Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 43/4  
- **Mission Type**: Military reconnaissance (Zenit 6U class)  
- **Launch Time**: 13:50:00 UTC  

## FAQs  
### Q: When was Cosmos 1568 launched?  
A: Cosmos 1568 was launched on June 1, 1984, at 13:50:00 UTC.  

### Q: What was the purpose of Cosmos 1568?  
A: It was a Soviet spy satellite designed for photographic reconnaissance as part of the Zenit 6U program.  

### Q: What rocket was used to launch Cosmos 1568?  
A: The satellite was launched using a Soyuz-U rocket, a variant of the Soyuz rocket family.  

## Why It Matters  
Cosmos 1568 represents a typical mission within the Soviet Union’s extensive Zenit spy satellite program, which played a critical role in Cold War-era military surveillance. These satellites provided high-resolution photographic intelligence, enabling the Soviet military to monitor strategic sites and activities globally. As part of the Zenit 6U class, Cosmos 1568 contributed to the broader efforts of the Soviet space-based reconnaissance network, which was essential for national security and strategic planning during a period of heightened geopolitical tensions.  

## Notable For  
- **Zenit 6U Class Membership**: Part of a prolific series of Soviet reconnaissance satellites known for their film-return capsules.  
- **Soyuz-U Launch Vehicle**: Utilized a reliable and widely used rocket variant for deploying Soviet military payloads.  
- **Plesetsk Cosmodrome Launch**: Conducted from a key Soviet spaceport specialized in military and classified launches.  

## Body  
### Launch Details  
- **Date/Time**: June 1, 1984, at 13:50:00 UTC.  
- **Site**: Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 43/4, a launch pad frequently used for Soviet military satellites.  
- **Vehicle**: Soyuz-U (Universal) rocket, a modified version of the Soyuz design optimized for payloads like the Zenit satellites.  

### Spacecraft Specifications  
- **Class**: Zenit 6U, a third-generation Soviet spy satellite designed for low Earth orbit (LEO) photo reconnaissance.  
- **Function**: Equipped to capture high-resolution imagery using film, which was physically returned to Earth via capsules.  

### Mission Context  
- **COSPAR Designation**: 1984-054A, indicating it was the primary payload of the 54th launch globally in 1984.  
- **Satellite Catalog Number**: 15011, assigned by the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD).  
- **Operational Role**: Conducted intelligence-gathering missions typical of the Zenit program, which operated from 1961 to 1996.  

### Historical Significance  
- **Cold War Surveillance**: Part of a network of satellites that provided critical intelligence during a period of intense U.S.-Soviet rivalry.  
- **Soyuz-U Reliability**: The use of the Soyuz-U rocket underscored its reliability for military launches, with over 700 missions conducted between 1973 and 2017.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report