# Cosmos 1781
**Wikidata**: [Q12753448](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q12753448)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/cosmos-1781

## Summary
Cosmos 1781 was a Soviet military spy satellite launched on September 17, 1986, from the Baikonur Cosmodrome. It was part of the Zenit 8 series and was launched aboard a Soyuz-U rocket. The satellite's COSPAR ID is 1986-072A.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: September 17, 1986
- **Launch Vehicle**: Soyuz-U
- **Launch Site**: Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 31
- **Type**: Zenit 8 military spy satellite
- **COSPAR ID**: 1986-072A
- **SCN (NORAD ID)**: 16966
- **Country of Origin**: Soviet Union
- **Significant Event**: Rocket launch at 07:59:00 UTC on September 17, 1986

## FAQs
### Q: What type of satellite was Cosmos 1781?
A: Cosmos 1781 was a Zenit 8 military spy satellite used by the Soviet Union for reconnaissance purposes.

### Q: Which rocket launched Cosmos 1781?
A: Cosmos 1781 was launched aboard a Soyuz-U rocket from the Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 31 on September 17, 1986.

### Q: What is the COSPAR ID of Cosmos 1781?
A: The COSPAR ID of Cosmos 1781 is 1986-072A.

### Q: Where was Cosmos 1781 launched from?
A: Cosmos 1781 was launched from Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 31 in the Soviet Union.

### Q: What was the launch time of Cosmos 1781?
A: Cosmos 1781 was launched at 07:59:00 UTC on September 17, 1986.

## Why It Matters
Cosmos 1781 was part of the Soviet Union's extensive satellite program, which included the deployment of military spy satellites for reconnaissance and intelligence gathering. The Zenit 8 series was designed to provide high-resolution imagery and other data for strategic purposes. The launch of Cosmos 1781, along with other satellites in the program, contributed to the Soviet Union's military and intelligence capabilities during the Cold War. The Soyuz-U rocket, used to launch Cosmos 1781, was a reliable and versatile launch vehicle that played a significant role in the Soviet space program. The satellite's successful deployment and operation were part of the broader efforts to maintain the Soviet Union's technological and military superiority.

## Notable For
- **Military Reconnaissance**: Cosmos 1781 was part of the Zenit 8 series, which was specifically designed for military reconnaissance and intelligence gathering.
- **Soyuz-U Launch**: The satellite was launched using the Soyuz-U rocket, a variant of the Soyuz rocket family known for its reliability and versatility.
- **Baikonur Launch Site**: The launch took place from Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 31, a key site for Soviet space launches.
- **Cold War Era**: Cosmos 1781 operated during the Cold War, contributing to the Soviet Union's military and intelligence capabilities.
- **COSPAR ID**: The satellite's COSPAR ID (1986-072A) is a unique identifier assigned by the Committee on Space Research.

## Body
### Overview
Cosmos 1781 was a Soviet military spy satellite launched on September 17, 1986. It was part of the Zenit 8 series, which was designed for reconnaissance and intelligence gathering. The satellite was launched aboard a Soyuz-U rocket from Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 31.

### Launch Details
- **Launch Date**: September 17, 1986
- **Launch Time**: 07:59:00 UTC
- **Launch Vehicle**: Soyuz-U
- **Launch Site**: Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 31

### Satellite Specifications
- **Type**: Zenit 8 military spy satellite
- **COSPAR ID**: 1986-072A
- **SCN (NORAD ID)**: 16966
- **Country of Origin**: Soviet Union

### Significance
Cosmos 1781 was part of the Soviet Union's extensive satellite program, which included the deployment of military spy satellites for reconnaissance and intelligence gathering. The Zenit 8 series was designed to provide high-resolution imagery and other data for strategic purposes. The launch of Cosmos 1781, along with other satellites in the program, contributed to the Soviet Union's military and intelligence capabilities during the Cold War. The Soyuz-U rocket, used to launch Cosmos 1781, was a reliable and versatile launch vehicle that played a significant role in the Soviet space program. The satellite's successful deployment and operation were part of the broader efforts to maintain the Soviet Union's technological and military superiority.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report