# Cosmos 1702
**Wikidata**: [Q12907471](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q12907471)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/cosmos-1702

## Summary  
Cosmos 1702 was a Soviet military spy satellite launched in 1985 as part of the Zenit 8 class, designed for reconnaissance missions. It was deployed using a Soyuz-U rocket from Plesetsk Cosmodrome, reflecting Cold War-era surveillance efforts.  

## Key Facts  
- **Launch Date**: November 13, 1985  
- **Launch Vehicle**: Soyuz-U rocket  
- **Launch Site**: Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 16  
- **Satellite Class**: Zenit 8 (military reconnaissance)  
- **COSPAR ID**: 1985-106A  
- **SCN**: 16247  
- **Launch Time**: 12:25:00 UTC  
- **Country of Origin**: Soviet Union  

## FAQs  
### Q: What was the purpose of Cosmos 1702?  
A: Cosmos 1702 was a military spy satellite used for reconnaissance by the Soviet Union, part of the Zenit 8 class designed for photographic surveillance.  

### Q: When and where was Cosmos 1702 launched?  
A: It launched on November 13, 1985, at 12:25:00 UTC from Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 16 in the Soviet Union.  

### Q: What rocket was used to launch Cosmos 1702?  
A: The satellite was deployed via a Soyuz-U rocket, a variant of the Soyuz design used for military and civilian missions.  

## Why It Matters  
Cosmos 1702 represents a key component of the Soviet Union’s Cold War-era space-based reconnaissance efforts. As part of the Zenit 8 class, it contributed to strategic military intelligence gathering, a critical function during a period of heightened geopolitical tensions. Its launch on a Soyuz-U rocket underscores the reliability and versatility of the Soyuz family, which remains a cornerstone of Russian space operations. The satellite’s mission highlights the intersection of space technology and national security, illustrating how orbital assets were leveraged to support terrestrial military objectives.  

## Notable For  
- **Zenit 8 Class Membership**: Part of a specialized series of Soviet military satellites optimized for photographic reconnaissance.  
- **Soyuz-U Launch Vehicle**: Utilized a widely used and dependable rocket variant, emphasizing Soviet rocketry capabilities.  
- **Plesetsk Cosmodrome Launch**: Originated from a key Soviet military spaceport, distinct from civilian-focused Baikonur.  
- **Cold War Context**: Operated during a period of intense superpower rivalry, underscoring the strategic value of space-based intelligence.  

## Body  
### Launch Details  
- **Date/Time**: November 13, 1985, at 12:25:00 UTC.  
- **Site**: Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 16, a facility primarily used for military launches.  
- **Rocket**: Soyuz-U, a “Universal” variant of the Soyuz design, tailored for diverse payload requirements.  

### Satellite Specifications  
- **Class**: Zenit 8, a dedicated military reconnaissance satellite type.  
- **Identifiers**:  
  - **COSPAR ID**: 1985-106A  
  - **SCN**: 16247  
- **Function**: Photographic surveillance for military intelligence purposes.  

### Mission Context  
- **Operator**: Soviet Union, as part of its broader Cold War reconnaissance strategy.  
- **Historical Significance**: Emblematic of the space-based arms race, where satellites like Cosmos 1702 played a silent yet pivotal role in monitoring adversaries.  
- **Documentation**: Cited in academic and technical sources (e.g., reference Q6272367), with multilingual Wikipedia coverage (Macedonian, Serbo-Croatian, Serbian).

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report