# Cosmos 1623
**Wikidata**: [Q12753366](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q12753366)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/cosmos-1623

## Summary
Cosmos 1623 was a Soviet military spy satellite launched on January 16, 1985, using a Soyuz-U rocket from Gagarin's Start. It was part of the Zenit 8 satellite series, designed for reconnaissance purposes.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: January 16, 1985
- **Launch Vehicle**: Soyuz-U
- **Launch Site**: Gagarin's Start
- **Satellite Class**: Zenit 8 (military spy satellite)
- **Operator**: Soviet Union
- **COSPAR ID**: 1985-005A
- **Wikidata ID**: Q15479
- **Wikipedia Availability**: Available in Macedonian, Serbo-Croatian, and Serbian

## FAQs
### Q: What type of satellite was Cosmos 1623?
A: Cosmos 1623 was a Zenit 8 military spy satellite used by the Soviet Union for reconnaissance purposes.

### Q: When and where was Cosmos 1623 launched?
A: It was launched on January 16, 1985, from Gagarin's Start using a Soyuz-U rocket.

### Q: What was the launch vehicle used for Cosmos 1623?
A: The launch vehicle was the Soyuz-U, a variant of the Soyuz rocket designed for universal use.

### Q: What is the COSPAR ID for Cosmos 1623?
A: The COSPAR ID for Cosmos 1623 is 1985-005A.

### Q: Is Cosmos 1623 available on Wikipedia?
A: Yes, it has Wikipedia entries in Macedonian, Serbo-Croatian, and Serbian.

## Why It Matters
Cosmos 1623 represents a significant milestone in the Soviet Union's military space program, particularly in the deployment of reconnaissance satellites. The Zenit 8 series, of which Cosmos 1623 was a part, played a crucial role in the Soviet military's ability to gather intelligence from space. The launch from Gagarin's Start and the use of the Soyuz-U rocket highlight the Soviet Union's advancements in space technology during the Cold War era. While specific details about its mission objectives remain classified, its inclusion in the Zenit series underscores its importance in the broader context of Soviet space reconnaissance efforts.

## Notable For
- **First of its Kind**: One of the first Zenit 8 satellites launched by the Soviet Union.
- **Military Reconnaissance**: Designed for intelligence gathering, contributing to the Soviet Union's spy satellite program.
- **Soyuz-U Launch**: Demonstrated the reliability and versatility of the Soyuz-U rocket for military payloads.
- **Cold War Era**: Operated during a critical period of geopolitical tension, reflecting the Soviet Union's commitment to space-based surveillance.

## Body
### Satellite Overview
Cosmos 1623 was a Zenit 8-class satellite, part of the Soviet Union's military reconnaissance program. It was launched on January 16, 1985, at 08:19:00 UTC from Gagarin's Start using a Soyuz-U rocket. The satellite was assigned the COSPAR ID 1985-005A and is listed under the Wikidata ID Q15479.

### Launch Details
The launch vehicle, Soyuz-U, was a variant of the Soyuz rocket designed for universal use. The satellite was launched from Gagarin's Start, a significant launch site in the Soviet space program. The launch was recorded as a significant event in space history, contributing to the Soviet Union's extensive satellite deployment efforts.

### Classification and Purpose
As a Zenit 8 satellite, Cosmos 1623 was classified as a military spy satellite, likely used for reconnaissance and intelligence gathering. The Zenit series was known for its role in the Soviet Union's spy satellite program, providing critical data for military and strategic purposes.

### Historical Context
Cosmos 1623 operated during the Cold War, a period marked by intense geopolitical rivalry between the Soviet Union and the United States. The satellite's launch reflects the Soviet Union's efforts to maintain a robust space presence for military and surveillance purposes. While specific details about its mission remain classified, its inclusion in the Zenit series highlights its importance in the broader context of Soviet space reconnaissance.

### Wikipedia Availability
Cosmos 1623 has Wikipedia entries in Macedonian, Serbo-Croatian, and Serbian, indicating its relevance in those linguistic regions. The availability of information in multiple languages reflects its historical and cultural significance.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report