# Cosmos 1600
**Wikidata**: [Q12753354](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q12753354)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/cosmos-1600

## Summary
Cosmos 1600 was a Soviet military spy satellite launched on September 27, 1984. Classified as a Zenit 8 spacecraft, it was deployed into orbit using a Soyuz-U rocket from the Gagarin's Start launch site. The mission is identified by the international designator 1984-103A and satellite catalog number 15324.

## Key Facts
*   **Classification:** Cosmos 1600 is an instance of the **Zenit 8** class of spacecraft, which are military spy satellites utilized by the **Soviet Union**.
*   **Launch Date:** The satellite was launched on **September 27, 1984**.
*   **Launch Time:** The specific time of the rocket launch was **08:10:00**.
*   **Launch Site:** The mission launched from **Gagarin's Start**, a historic launch pad.
*   **Launch Vehicle:** The satellite was carried into space by a **Soyuz-U** rocket, a universal variant of the Soyuz design.
*   **Identifiers:** The satellite holds the **COSPAR ID** 1984-103A and the **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN)** 15324.
*   **Alternate Name:** The entity is also known by the alias **Kosmos 1600**.

## FAQs
### Q: What type of satellite was Cosmos 1600?
A: Cosmos 1600 was a Zenit 8 class spacecraft, which functions as a military spy satellite. It was part of the Soviet Union's military space program.

### Q: When was Cosmos 1600 launched?
A: The satellite was launched on September 27, 1984, at 08:10:00.

### Q: What rocket was used to launch Cosmos 1600?
A: It was launched using a Soyuz-U rocket, a universal variant of the Soyuz rocket family, from the Gagarin's Start launch complex.

### Q: What are the international identifiers for Cosmos 1600?
A: The satellite is identified by the COSPAR ID 1984-103A and the Satellite Catalog Number 15324.

## Why It Matters
Cosmos 1600 serves as a specific historical record of Soviet space activity during the mid-1980s. As a designated "Zenit 8" military spy satellite, it represents the technological capabilities and strategic priorities of the Soviet Union regarding reconnaissance and intelligence gathering from orbit during the Cold War era. The mission highlights the reliance of the Soviet military on the Soyuz-U launch vehicle, a workhorse rocket known for its reliability and versatility in deploying various payloads, including military satellites like the Zenit series. Additionally, the launch from "Gagarin's Start" places this mission in a lineage of significant historical launches originating from the same pad used for the first human spaceflight. Data points such as the precise launch time (08:10:00) and specific orbital identifiers allow researchers and historians to accurately track and catalog the object within the broader history of space exploration.

## Notable For
*   Being a confirmed **Zenit 8** military spy satellite, a specific class of reconnaissance spacecraft used by the Soviet Union.
*   Launching from **Gagarin's Start**, one of the most famous launch pads in space history.
*   Utilizing the **Soyuz-U** rocket, a universal variant described as a staple of the Soviet launch fleet.
*   Having a precise, recorded launch time of **08:10:00** on September 27, 1984.

## Body

### Mission Classification
Cosmos 1600 is officially classified as an **instance of** a Zenit 8. According to available knowledge, the Zenit 8 is a class of military spy satellite operated by the Soviet Union. As with many Soviet military satellites, the designation "Cosmos" was used to obscure the specific military nature of the mission, grouping it under a generic numbering system while functioning as a reconnaissance asset.

### Launch Details
The satellite was successfully launched on **September 27, 1984**. The significant event of the rocket launch took place at the precise time of **08:10:00**.

*   **Launch Point:** The launch originated from **Gagarin's Start**.
*   **Launch Vehicle:** The satellite was deployed using a **Soyuz-U** rocket. This variant is described as a "Universal" design within the Soyuz rocket family. The Soviet Union is listed as the country of origin for this launch vehicle.

### Technical Identifiers
To track the satellite internationally, specific identifiers have been assigned to Cosmos 1600:
*   **COSPAR ID:** 1984-103A
*   **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN):** 15324

The entity is also referenced by the alias **Kosmos 1600** and has been indexed in Wolfram Language as `Entity["Satellite", "15324"]`.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report