# Cosmos 1734
**Wikidata**: [Q12907479](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q12907479)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/cosmos-1734

## Summary
Cosmos 1734 (also known as Kosmos 1734) was a Soviet/Russian Yantar-4K2 spy satellite launched on February 26, 1986, from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome using a Soyuz-U rocket.

## Key Facts
- Was a Yantar-4K2 class satellite, specifically identified by the COSPAR ID 1986-020A
- Launched on February 26, 1986, from Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 43/4
- Used a Soyuz-U rocket as its launch vehicle
- Is classified as a Soviet/Russian spy satellite
- Has a sitelink count of 3 across different language Wikipedia pages

## FAQs
### Q: What was Cosmos 1734?
A: It was a Soviet/Russian Yantar-4K2 spy satellite launched in 1986.

### Q: When was Cosmos 1734 launched?
A: It was launched on February 26, 1986.

### Q: What type of satellite was Cosmos 1734?
A: It was a Yantar-4K2 class reconnaissance satellite used for intelligence gathering.

## Why It Matters
Cosmos 1734 represents a significant component of the Soviet Union's Cold War intelligence infrastructure. As a Yantar-4K2 satellite, it was part of a series designed to provide photographic reconnaissance capabilities, offering strategic intelligence gathering capabilities that were crucial for monitoring military and political developments during the Cold War era. The satellite's operation contributed to the broader Soviet space program's objective of maintaining global surveillance capabilities and gathering information on potential adversaries.

## Notable For
- Was part of the Yantar-4K2 reconnaissance satellite series
- Utilized the Soyuz-U rocket for launch
- Operated from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome, a major Soviet space launch facility
- Represented the Soviet Union's continued investment in space-based intelligence gathering capabilities during the Cold War
- Was identified by both the COSPAR designation 1986-020A and the Kosmos designation 1734

## Body
### Technical Specifications
Cosmos 1734 was classified as a Yantar-4K2 satellite, which was a type of optical reconnaissance satellite developed by the Soviet Union. The satellite utilized a Soyuz-U rocket for launch, which was a common launch vehicle for Soviet space missions. The launch occurred from Site 43/4 at the Plesetsk Cosmodrome on February 26, 1986, at 13:39:59 local time.

### Operational Context
The Yantar-4K2 series represented an evolution in Soviet reconnaissance capabilities, designed to provide high-resolution photographic intelligence. These satellites typically operated in low Earth orbit and were equipped with sophisticated optical systems to capture detailed images of ground targets. The specific mission of Cosmos 1734 would have involved collecting intelligence on military installations, infrastructure, and other strategic targets around the world.

### Classification and Designation
The satellite was assigned the COSPAR designation 1986-020A, which is a standardized international designation system for space objects. It was also given the Kosmos designation 1734, which was the Soviet designation system used for their satellites. This dual designation system was standard for Soviet space missions, providing both international and domestic identification.

### Launch Details
The launch of Cosmos 1734 was conducted using a Soyuz-U rocket, which was a modified version of the Soyuz rocket family. The Soyuz-U was specifically designed for launching satellites and was one of the most reliable launch vehicles in the Soviet space program. The Plesetsk Cosmodrome, where the launch occurred, was one of the primary launch sites for Soviet military and reconnaissance satellites, providing the necessary infrastructure for such missions.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report