# Cosmos 1659
**Wikidata**: [Q12753387](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q12753387)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/cosmos-1659

## Summary
Cosmos 1659 was a Zenit 8 military spy satellite launched by the Soviet Union on June 13, 1985, using a Soyuz-U rocket from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome. It is identified by its COSPAR ID 1985-046A and was part of the Soviet Union's reconnaissance satellite program.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: June 13, 1985
- **Launch Vehicle**: Soyuz-U
- **Launch Site**: Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 16
- **COSPAR ID**: 1985-046A
- **Satellite Class**: Zenit 8 (military spy satellite)
- **Country of Origin**: Soviet Union
- **SCN (Satellite Catalog Number)**: 15818
- **Significant Event**: Rocket launch at 12:20:00 UTC on June 13, 1985

## FAQs
### Q: What type of satellite was Cosmos 1659?
A: Cosmos 1659 was a Zenit 8 military spy satellite, part of the Soviet Union's reconnaissance satellite program.

### Q: When and where was Cosmos 1659 launched?
A: It was launched on June 13, 1985, from Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 16 using a Soyuz-U rocket.

### Q: What was the COSPAR ID of Cosmos 1659?
A: Its COSPAR ID was 1985-046A.

### Q: What was the significance of Cosmos 1659?
A: Cosmos 1659 was a classified military satellite used for reconnaissance, contributing to the Soviet Union's intelligence-gathering capabilities.

### Q: What launch vehicle was used for Cosmos 1659?
A: The satellite was launched using a Soyuz-U rocket.

## Why It Matters
Cosmos 1659 played a critical role in the Soviet Union's military reconnaissance efforts during the Cold War. As part of the Zenit series, it was designed to gather intelligence through high-resolution imaging, supporting the Soviet Union's surveillance and strategic monitoring capabilities. The satellite's launch and operation were part of a broader effort to maintain the USSR's technological and military superiority. While specific details of its mission remain classified, its inclusion in the Cosmos series indicates its importance within the Soviet space program.

## Notable For
- **Classified Military Role**: Operated as a Zenit 8 spy satellite, part of the Soviet Union's reconnaissance network.
- **Soyuz-U Launch**: Utilized the Soyuz-U rocket, a reliable Soviet launch vehicle.
- **Plesetsk Launch Site**: Launched from Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 16, a key facility for Soviet military space operations.
- **COSPAR Identification**: Assigned the COSPAR ID 1985-046A, standard for tracking space missions.
- **Cold War Intelligence**: Contributed to the Soviet Union's intelligence-gathering efforts during the Cold War.

## Body
### Satellite Classification
Cosmos 1659 was a Zenit 8 satellite, a class of military reconnaissance satellites operated by the Soviet Union. The Zenit series was designed for high-resolution imaging and intelligence gathering, supporting the USSR's strategic surveillance needs.

### Launch Details
The satellite was launched on **June 13, 1985**, at **12:20:00 UTC** from **Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 16**. The launch vehicle used was the **Soyuz-U**, a variant of the Soyuz rocket family known for its reliability in military and reconnaissance missions.

### Identification and Tracking
Cosmos 1659 is officially cataloged under the **SCN (Satellite Catalog Number) 15818** and the **COSPAR ID 1985-046A**. These identifiers are used by the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) to track and monitor space objects.

### Operational Context
The satellite's launch and operation were part of the broader Soviet space program, which included numerous military and civilian missions. The Plesetsk Cosmodrome, particularly Site 16, was a critical launch facility for Soviet military satellites.

### Historical Significance
While specific details of Cosmos 1659's mission remain classified, its inclusion in the Cosmos series reflects its role in the Soviet Union's intelligence and surveillance capabilities during the Cold War. The Soyuz-U rocket's use indicates its suitability for classified military payloads.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report