# Cosmos 1696
**Wikidata**: [Q12753403](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q12753403)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/cosmos-1696

## Summary
Cosmos 1696 was a Soviet military spy satellite launched on October 16, 1985. Classified as a Zenit 8 satellite, it was deployed into orbit using a Soyuz-U rocket from the Baikonur Cosmodrome.

## Key Facts
- **Classification:** Cosmos 1696 is an instance of a Zenit 8, a class of military spy satellite utilized by the Soviet Union.
- **Launch Date:** The satellite was launched on October 16, 1985.
- **Launch Vehicle:** It was propelled by a Soyuz-U rocket, a universal variant of the Soyuz rocket design.
- **Launch Site:** The launch took place at Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 31.
- **Launch Time:** The significant rocket launch event occurred at 09:25:00.
- **COSPAR ID:** The satellite is identified by the international designation 1985-095A.
- **Satellite Catalog Number:** It holds the SCN value of 16169.
- **Alternate Name:** The satellite is also known by the alias Kosmos 1696.

## FAQs
### Q: What type of satellite was Cosmos 1696?
A: Cosmos 1696 was a Zenit 8 class satellite, which functions as a military spy satellite. It was used by the Soviet Union for reconnaissance purposes.

### Q: When and how was Cosmos 1696 launched?
A: Cosmos 1696 was launched on October 16, 1985, at 09:25:00. It was sent into orbit using a Soyuz-U rocket from the Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 31.

### Q: What are the international identifiers for Cosmos 1696?
A: The satellite is internationally identified by the COSPAR ID 1985-095A and the Satellite Catalog Number (SCN) 16169.

## Why It Matters
Cosmos 1696 serves as a specific historical example of the Soviet Union's extensive military space program during the Cold War. As a Zenit 8 satellite, it represents the technological capabilities of Soviet reconnaissance during the mid-1980s, relying on film-return capabilities typical of that era's spy satellites. The mission highlights the reliance on the robust Soyuz-U launch vehicle, described as a "Universal" variant, which served as the workhorse for numerous Soviet military and scientific payloads.

The entry also illustrates the Soviet naming convention of the time, where military satellites were designated under the generic "Cosmos" umbrella to obscure their specific reconnaissance missions. By recording precise details such as the launch complex (Site 31) and exact liftoff time (09:25:00), this entity provides valuable data for historians tracking the frequency and logistics of Soviet space operations. Its presence in databases across different languages (Macedonian, Serbo-Croatian, Serbian) and platforms like Wolfram Language underscores its recognition in global spaceflight records.

## Notable For
- **Military Reconnaissance:** It is a recognized military spy satellite (Zenit 8) used by the Soviet Union.
- **Specific Launch Infrastructure:** The mission utilized Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 31, a key operational pad distinct from the more commonly cited Site 1.
- **Universal Launch Vehicle:** It was launched aboard the Soyuz-U, a variant explicitly noted as a "Universal" rocket design.
- **Precise Historical Record:** The launch is documented with an exact timestamp (09:25:00), allowing for precise historical tracking.

## Body
### Mission Classification and Identity
Cosmos 1696 is officially classified as an instance of the **Zenit 8** satellite system. In the context of the Soviet space program, this designation refers to a specific type of military spy satellite. The "Cosmos" designation (often aliases as "Kosmos") was a standard Soviet practice used to mask the true military nature of reconnaissance flights; consequently, Cosmos 1696 served as a defense-oriented asset for the Soviet Union.

### Launch Logistics and Vehicle
The satellite was successfully launched on **October 16, 1985**. The mission was facilitated by the **Soyuz-U** launch vehicle, a mid-range rocket known for its reliability and "Universal" application in transporting various payloads.
*   **Launch Complex:** The launch originated from **Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 31**, a major launch facility located in the Soviet Union.
*   **Event Timestamp:** The launch event is recorded with high precision, occurring at **09:25:00** on the date of departure.

### Technical Identifiers
For tracking and cataloging purposes, Cosmos 1696 is associated with several standard identifiers:
*   **COSPAR International Designator:** 1985-095A
*   **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN):** 16169
*   **Wolfram Language Entity:** Entity["Satellite", "16169"]

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report