# Cosmos 1740
**Wikidata**: [Q12753428](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q12753428)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/cosmos-1740

## Summary
Cosmos 1740 was a Soviet military spy satellite launched in 1986 as part of the Zenit 8 reconnaissance program. It was deployed using a Soyuz-U rocket from Plesetsk Cosmodrome to conduct photographic intelligence missions. The satellite is identified by its SCN 16679 and COSPAR ID 1986-029A.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: April 15, 1986, at 11:40:00 UTC.
- **Launch Vehicle**: Soyuz-U rocket, a variant of the Soyuz design used by the Soviet Union.
- **Launch Site**: Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 16 in the Soviet Union.
- **Satellite Class**: Zenit 8, a military reconnaissance satellite type.
- **Identifiers**: SCN 16679, COSPAR ID 1986-029A.
- **Mission Type**: Photographic reconnaissance for military intelligence.

## FAQs
### Q: What was the purpose of Cosmos 1740?
A: Cosmos 1740 was a military spy satellite designed for photographic reconnaissance, gathering intelligence for the Soviet Union during the Cold War.

### Q: When and where was Cosmos 1740 launched?
A: It launched on April 15, 1986, at 11:40:00 UTC from Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 16 in the Soviet Union.

### Q: What rocket was used to launch Cosmos 1740?
A: The satellite was deployed using a Soyuz-U rocket, a standardized launch vehicle for Soviet military and scientific missions.

## Why It Matters
Cosmos 1740 represents a key component of the Soviet Union’s Cold War-era space-based reconnaissance efforts. As part of the Zenit 8 satellite series, it played a critical role in gathering photographic intelligence, reflecting the strategic importance of space assets during the geopolitical tensions of the 1980s. 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 integration of space technology into military strategy, demonstrating how nations leveraged orbital platforms to enhance national security and monitor adversaries.

## Notable For
- **Zenit 8 Class Membership**: Part of a specialized series of Soviet military reconnaissance satellites.
- **Soyuz-U Launch Vehicle**: Utilized a widely used and dependable Soviet rocket variant.
- **Cold War Context**: Operated during a period of heightened geopolitical rivalry, contributing to intelligence-gathering capabilities.
- **Plesetsk Cosmodrome Launch**: Deployed from a primary Soviet space launch facility, emphasizing its military significance.

## Body
### Launch Details
- **Date and Time**: Cosmos 1740 launched on April 15, 1986, at 11:40:00 UTC.
- **Location**: The launch occurred at Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 16, a key Soviet space facility.
- **Rocket**: The Soyuz-U variant, designed for universal application in military and civilian missions, was used.

### Satellite Specifications
- **Class**: Zenit 8, a dedicated military reconnaissance satellite type.
- **Identifiers**: 
  - **SCN**: 16679 (Satellite Catalog Number).
  - **COSPAR ID**: 1986-029A (international designation for Earth-orbiting objects).

### Mission Context
- **Purpose**: Conduct photographic surveillance for military intelligence purposes.
- **Historical Significance**: Operated during the Cold War, reflecting the Soviet Union’s reliance on space-based assets for national security.
- **Operational Legacy**: Part of the broader Zenit program, which included numerous satellites launched between the 1960s and 1990s for reconnaissance missions.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report