# Cosmos 1728
**Wikidata**: [Q12753420](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q12753420)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/cosmos-1728

## Summary
Cosmos 1728 was a Soviet military spy satellite launched on January 28, 1986, 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 28, 1986
- **Launch Vehicle**: Soyuz-U
- **Launch Site**: Gagarin's Start
- **Satellite Class**: Zenit 8 (military spy satellite)
- **COSPAR ID**: 1986-009A
- **SCN (NORAD ID)**: 16512
- **Country of Origin**: Soviet Union
- **Significant Event**: Rocket launch at 08:35:00 UTC on January 28, 1986

## FAQs
### Q: What type of satellite was Cosmos 1728?
A: Cosmos 1728 was a Zenit 8 military spy satellite used by the Soviet Union for reconnaissance purposes.

### Q: Which rocket launched Cosmos 1728?
A: The satellite was launched using a Soyuz-U rocket from Gagarin's Start on January 28, 1986.

### Q: What was the COSPAR ID of Cosmos 1728?
A: The COSPAR ID for Cosmos 1728 is 1986-009A.

### Q: Where was Cosmos 1728 launched from?
A: Cosmos 1728 was launched from Gagarin's Start, a Soviet spaceport.

### Q: What was the NORAD ID of Cosmos 1728?
A: The NORAD ID (SCN) for Cosmos 1728 is 16512.

## Why It Matters
Cosmos 1728 was part of the Soviet Union's extensive satellite program, which included the deployment of military reconnaissance satellites. The Zenit 8 series was designed to provide high-resolution imagery for intelligence gathering. The launch of Cosmos 1728, along with other satellites in the program, contributed to the Soviet Union's efforts in space-based surveillance and reconnaissance during the Cold War. While specific details about its operational role are limited, it reflects the broader Soviet space program's capabilities in the 1980s.

## Notable For
- **Military Reconnaissance**: Part of the Zenit 8 series, designed for intelligence gathering.
- **Soviet Space Program**: Launched as part of the broader Soviet military satellite network.
- **Soyuz-U Launch**: Utilized the Soyuz-U rocket, a reliable Soviet launch vehicle.
- **Cold War Era**: Operated during the peak of the Cold War, contributing to space-based surveillance.

## Body
### Satellite Classification
Cosmos 1728 was classified as a Zenit 8 satellite, a series of military spy satellites operated by the Soviet Union. These satellites were part of a broader reconnaissance program aimed at gathering intelligence through space-based imagery.

### Launch Details
- **Launch Date**: January 28, 1986
- **Launch Vehicle**: Soyuz-U
- **Launch Site**: Gagarin's Start
- **Launch Time**: 08:35:00 UTC

### Identification Numbers
- **COSPAR ID**: 1986-009A
- **SCN (NORAD ID)**: 16512

### Operational Context
The satellite was launched during the Cold War, reflecting the Soviet Union's efforts to maintain a competitive edge in space-based reconnaissance. The Zenit 8 series was part of a larger network of military satellites designed to support intelligence operations.

### Wikipedia Coverage
Cosmos 1728 has limited Wikipedia coverage, with entries available in Macedonian (mk), Serbo-Croatian (sh), and Serbian (sr) languages. The satellite is referenced in academic and technical databases, including Wolfram Language as Entity["Satellite", "16512"].

### References
- **Source**: Q6272367 (academic reference)
- **COSPAR ID Source**: Q200386 (international space organization)

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report