# Cosmos 1813
**Wikidata**: [Q13566706](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q13566706)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/cosmos-1813

## Summary
Cosmos 1813 was a Soviet military spy satellite launched on January 15, 1987, using a Soyuz-U rocket from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome. It was part of the Zenit 8 satellite series, designed for reconnaissance and intelligence gathering.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: January 15, 1987
- **Launch Vehicle**: Soyuz-U
- **Launch Site**: Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 43
- **Satellite Class**: Zenit 8 (military spy satellite)
- **Country of Origin**: Soviet Union
- **COSPAR ID**: 1987-004A
- **SCN (NORAD ID)**: 17297
- **Significant Event**: Rocket launch at 11:20:00 UTC on January 15, 1987

## FAQs
### Q: What type of satellite was Cosmos 1813?
A: Cosmos 1813 was a Zenit 8 military spy satellite used by the Soviet Union for reconnaissance and intelligence gathering.

### Q: Which rocket launched Cosmos 1813?
A: The satellite was launched using a Soyuz-U rocket from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 43 on January 15, 1987.

### Q: What was the purpose of Cosmos 1813?
A: The Zenit 8 satellite was designed for military reconnaissance and intelligence operations, likely involving surveillance.

### Q: Where was Cosmos 1813 launched from?
A: The satellite was launched from Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 43 in the Soviet Union.

### Q: What is the COSPAR ID of Cosmos 1813?
A: The COSPAR ID for Cosmos 1813 is 1987-004A.

## Why It Matters
Cosmos 1813 represents a key mission in the Soviet Union's military reconnaissance program, utilizing the Zenit 8 satellite series. Launched in 1987, it was part of a broader effort to maintain surveillance capabilities in space. The Soyuz-U rocket, a reliable Soviet launch vehicle, facilitated the deployment of this spy satellite. While specific details about its operations remain classified, the mission underscores the Soviet Union's commitment to maintaining a robust space-based intelligence network during the Cold War era.

## Notable For
- **First Launch of Zenit 8 Series**: Cosmos 1813 was one of the first satellites in the Zenit 8 class, designed for military reconnaissance.
- **Soyuz-U Deployment**: The Soyuz-U rocket was used to launch Cosmos 1813, demonstrating its reliability for classified missions.
- **Cold War Surveillance**: The satellite contributed to the Soviet Union's efforts to monitor global activities during the Cold War.
- **Plesetsk Cosmodrome Launch**: The mission marked another successful launch from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome, a key site for Soviet space operations.

## Body
### Satellite Classification
Cosmos 1813 was classified as a Zenit 8 satellite, part of the Soviet Union's military reconnaissance program. The Zenit series was known for its role in intelligence gathering, likely involving high-resolution imaging or electronic surveillance.

### Launch Details
The satellite was launched on **January 15, 1987**, at **11:20:00 UTC** from **Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 43**. The **Soyuz-U** rocket, a variant of the Soyuz family, was used for the mission. The Soyuz-U was a workhorse for Soviet launches, known for its reliability in deploying both civilian and military payloads.

### Identification and Tracking
Cosmos 1813 is also identified by its **COSPAR ID (1987-004A)** and **SCN (NORAD ID: 17297)**, which are used for tracking and cataloging space objects. These identifiers help in monitoring its orbit and operational status.

### Operational Context
The launch occurred during the Cold War, when the Soviet Union and the United States were engaged in a space race for military and strategic dominance. The Zenit 8 satellite likely played a role in the Soviet Union's efforts to maintain surveillance capabilities in orbit.

### Legacy
While specific details about Cosmos 1813's operations remain classified, its launch and deployment highlight the Soviet Union's advanced space capabilities during the 1980s. The mission contributed to the broader Soviet space program, which included both civilian and military applications.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report