# Cosmos 1787
**Wikidata**: [Q13566701](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q13566701)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/cosmos-1787

## Summary
Cosmos 1787 was a Soviet military spy satellite launched on October 22, 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**: October 22, 1986
- **Launch Vehicle**: Soyuz-U
- **Launch Site**: Gagarin's Start
- **Satellite Class**: Zenit 8 (military spy satellite)
- **Operator**: Soviet Union
- **COSPAR ID**: 1986-081A
- **SCN (NORAD ID)**: 17044
- **Instance of**: Zenit 8 satellite
- **Wikipedia Availability**: Available in Macedonian, Serbo-Croatian, and Serbian

## FAQs
### Q: What type of satellite was Cosmos 1787?
A: Cosmos 1787 was a Zenit 8 military spy satellite operated by the Soviet Union, used for reconnaissance purposes.

### Q: When and where was Cosmos 1787 launched?
A: It was launched on October 22, 1986, from Gagarin's Start using a Soyuz-U rocket.

### Q: What was the purpose of the Zenit 8 satellite series?
A: The Zenit 8 series was a military reconnaissance satellite designed to gather intelligence data.

### Q: How is Cosmos 1787 classified in space tracking systems?
A: It is cataloged under the COSPAR ID 1986-081A and NORAD ID 17044.

### Q: Is there a Wikipedia page for Cosmos 1787?
A: Yes, it has Wikipedia entries in Macedonian, Serbo-Croatian, and Serbian.

## Why It Matters
Cosmos 1787 represents a key mission in the Soviet Union's military reconnaissance satellite program. As part of the Zenit 8 series, it contributed to the Cold War-era effort to monitor global activities. The satellite's launch and operation were part of a broader initiative to maintain surveillance capabilities, reflecting the technological advancements and strategic interests of the Soviet space program during the 1980s. While specific details of its mission are classified, its inclusion in the Zenit series underscores the Soviet Union's commitment to maintaining a robust spy satellite network.

## Notable For
- **Military Reconnaissance**: Part of the Zenit 8 series, designed for intelligence gathering.
- **Soviet Space Program**: Launched during the Cold War, reflecting Soviet technological capabilities.
- **Soyuz-U Launch**: Utilized the Soyuz-U rocket, a variant of the Soyuz family.
- **Gagarin's Start Launch Site**: Launched from the same site as Yuri Gagarin's historic flight.
- **COSPAR and NORAD Tracking**: Cataloged under 1986-081A and NORAD ID 17044.

## Body
### Mission Overview
Cosmos 1787 was a Soviet military satellite launched as part of the Zenit 8 series, which was dedicated to reconnaissance and intelligence gathering. The satellite was operated by the Soviet Union and played a role in the broader Cold War-era space surveillance efforts.

### Launch Details
- **Launch Date**: October 22, 1986
- **Launch Vehicle**: Soyuz-U
- **Launch Site**: Gagarin's Start (Baikonur Cosmodrome)
- **Launch Time**: 09:00:00 UTC

### Satellite Classification
- **Type**: Zenit 8 (military spy satellite)
- **Operator**: Soviet Union
- **COSPAR ID**: 1986-081A
- **NORAD ID**: 17044

### Wikipedia Availability
The satellite has Wikipedia entries in Macedonian, Serbo-Croatian, and Serbian, indicating its historical significance in those regions.

### Historical Context
The launch of Cosmos 1787 occurred during the height of the Cold War, when both the Soviet Union and the United States were engaged in space-based reconnaissance. The Zenit 8 series was part of a larger effort to maintain surveillance capabilities, reflecting the technological and strategic priorities of the Soviet space program.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report