# Cosmos 1742
**Wikidata**: [Q12753429](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q12753429)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/cosmos-1742

## Summary
Cosmos 1742 was a Zenit 8 military spy satellite launched by the Soviet Union on May 14, 1986, using a Soyuz-U rocket from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome. It was part of the Kosmos series of satellites, designated as Kosmos 1742 by Western intelligence agencies.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: May 14, 1986
- **Launch Vehicle**: Soyuz-U
- **Launch Site**: Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 16
- **Satellite Type**: Zenit 8 (military spy satellite)
- **COSPAR ID**: 1986-033A
- **Aliases**: Kosmos 1742
- **Wikipedia Availability**: Available in Macedonian, Serbo-Croatian, and Serbian
- **Significant Event**: Rocket launch at 12:40:00 UTC on May 14, 1986

## FAQs
### Q: What type of satellite was Cosmos 1742?
A: Cosmos 1742 was a Zenit 8 military spy satellite, used for reconnaissance purposes by the Soviet Union.

### Q: Which rocket launched Cosmos 1742?
A: The satellite was launched using a Soyuz-U rocket from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 16 on May 14, 1986.

### Q: What is the COSPAR ID for Cosmos 1742?
A: The COSPAR ID for Cosmos 1742 is 1986-033A.

### Q: Where can I find more information about Cosmos 1742?
A: Detailed information is available on Wikipedia in Macedonian, Serbo-Croatian, and Serbian.

### Q: What was the significance of the launch of Cosmos 1742?
A: The launch marked the deployment of a military reconnaissance satellite as part of the Soviet Union's Zenit series.

## Why It Matters
Cosmos 1742 was a critical addition to the Soviet Union's military reconnaissance capabilities. As part of the Zenit series, it was designed to gather intelligence through high-resolution imaging, supporting the country's strategic surveillance efforts. The satellite's launch on May 14, 1986, demonstrated the Soviet Union's continued investment in space-based intelligence gathering, reinforcing its position as a major player in the Cold War-era space race. While specific operational details remain classified, the satellite's inclusion in the Kosmos series highlights the broader Soviet program's reliance on space technology for national security.

## Notable For
- **Military Reconnaissance**: Part of the Zenit series, designed for high-resolution imaging.
- **Soviet Space Program**: Launched as part of the Kosmos series, reflecting the Soviet Union's advanced space capabilities.
- **Cold War Era**: Deployed during the Cold War, contributing to the arms race in space-based surveillance.
- **Soyuz-U Launch**: Utilized the Soyuz-U rocket, a reliable Soviet launch vehicle for military and scientific missions.
- **Plesetsk Cosmodrome**: Launched from Site 16, a key facility for Soviet space operations.

## Body
### Satellite Classification
Cosmos 1742 was classified as a Zenit 8 satellite, a type of military reconnaissance spacecraft used by the Soviet Union. The Zenit series was known for its advanced imaging capabilities, supporting intelligence gathering operations.

### Launch Details
The satellite was launched on **May 14, 1986**, at **12:40:00 UTC** from **Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 16**. The launch vehicle was a **Soyuz-U**, a variant of the Soyuz rocket family designed for universal payload deployment.

### Identification and Tracking
Cosmos 1742 was assigned the **COSPAR ID 1986-033A**, a standard identifier for space objects. It is also referred to as **Kosmos 1742** in Western intelligence records, reflecting its classification as a Soviet military satellite.

### Operational Context
The satellite operated as part of the broader **Kosmos series**, which included numerous military and scientific missions. Its deployment underscored the Soviet Union's commitment to space-based intelligence gathering during the Cold War.

### Wikipedia Availability
Detailed information about Cosmos 1742 is available in **Macedonian, Serbo-Croatian, and Serbian** Wikipedia editions, indicating its significance in those regions' space history documentation.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report