# Cosmos 1706
**Wikidata**: [Q12753406](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q12753406)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/cosmos-1706

## Summary
Cosmos 1706 is a Soviet/Russian spy satellite, specifically an instance of the Yantar-4K2 class. It was launched on December 11, 1985, from Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 16. The satellite was carried into orbit by a Soyuz-U rocket.

## Key Facts
- Cosmos 1706 is classified as a Yantar-4K2 class Soviet/Russian spy satellite.
- It was launched on December 11, 1985, at 14:40:00.
- The launch vehicle used for Cosmos 1706 was a Soyuz-U rocket.
- The launch originated from Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 16.
- Its COSPAR ID is 1985-112A.
- The Satellite Catalog Number (SCN) for Cosmos 1706 is 16306.
- Cosmos 1706 is also known by the alias Kosmos 1706.

## FAQs
### Q: What is Cosmos 1706?
A: Cosmos 1706 is a Soviet/Russian spy satellite. It is an instance of the Yantar-4K2 class of satellites, designed for reconnaissance purposes.

### Q: When was Cosmos 1706 launched?
A: Cosmos 1706 was launched on December 11, 1985. The specific launch time was 14:40:00.

### Q: Where was Cosmos 1706 launched from?
A: Cosmos 1706 was launched from Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 16. This site is a well-known Russian spaceport.

### Q: What type of rocket launched Cosmos 1706?
A: Cosmos 1706 was launched using a Soyuz-U rocket. The Soyuz-U is a variant of the Soyuz rocket design, known for its versatility.

### Q: What is the primary purpose of Cosmos 1706?
A: Cosmos 1706 is a spy satellite, indicating its primary purpose was intelligence gathering and reconnaissance for the Soviet Union. It belongs to the Yantar-4K2 class, which are known for such missions.

## Why It Matters
Cosmos 1706 holds significance as a component of the Soviet Union's space-based intelligence infrastructure during the Cold War era. As a Yantar-4K2 class Soviet/Russian spy satellite, its deployment contributed to the nation's capabilities in strategic reconnaissance and global monitoring. The continuous launch of such satellites, facilitated by reliable launch vehicles like the Soyuz-U, underscored the Soviet Union's commitment to maintaining a robust space program for national security. These satellites played a critical role in providing vital intelligence, observing geopolitical developments, and informing military and political decision-making. The existence and operation of Cosmos 1706 highlight the technological advancements and strategic priorities of the Soviet space program in developing and deploying sophisticated assets for intelligence gathering, making it a notable element in the history of space exploration and Cold War dynamics.

## Notable For
- Being a Soviet/Russian spy satellite of the Yantar-4K2 class.
- Its launch on December 11, 1985, from Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 16.
- Being launched by a Soyuz-U rocket, a widely used Soviet launch vehicle.
- Its designation with COSPAR ID 1985-112A and SCN 16306.

## Body

### Overview
- Cosmos 1706 is identified as a Soviet/Russian spy satellite.
- It is an instance of the Yantar-4K2 class of satellites.
- The satellite is also known by the alias Kosmos 1706.

### Launch Details
- Cosmos 1706 was launched on December 11, 1985.
- The launch event occurred at 14:40:00.
- The launch vehicle utilized was the Soyuz-U, a variant of the Soyuz rocket design.
- The launch originated from Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 16.

### Identification and Classification
- The Satellite Catalog Number (SCN) for Cosmos 1706 is 16306.
- Its COSPAR ID is 1985-112A.
- The entity has associated Wikipedia entries in multiple languages, including Macedonian (mk), Serbo-Croatian (sh), and Serbian (sr).
- Its Wolfram Language entity code is Entity["Satellite", "16306"].

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report