# Cosmos 1848
**Wikidata**: [Q12753483](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q12753483)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/cosmos-1848

## Summary  
Cosmos 1848 was a Soviet military spy satellite launched in 1987 as part of the Zenit 8 reconnaissance program. It was deployed using a Soyuz-U rocket from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome to gather intelligence, reflecting Cold War-era surveillance efforts.  

## Key Facts  
- **Launch Date**: May 28, 1987  
- **COSPAR ID**: 1987-047A  
- **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN)**: 18017  
- **Launch Vehicle**: Soyuz-U rocket  
- **Class**: Zenit 8 military reconnaissance satellite  
- **Launch Site**: Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 43/4  
- **Launch Time**: 12:45:00 UTC  

## FAQs  
### Q: What was the purpose of Cosmos 1848?  
A: Cosmos 1848 was a Soviet military spy satellite designed for reconnaissance missions as part of the Zenit 8 program.  

### Q: When and where was Cosmos 1848 launched?  
A: It launched on May 28, 1987, at 12:45:00 UTC from Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 43/4.  

### Q: What rocket was used to deploy Cosmos 1848?  
A: The satellite was launched using a Soyuz-U rocket, a reliable variant of the Soyuz design.  

## Why It Matters  
Cosmos 1848 represents a key component of the Soviet Union’s Cold War-era intelligence-gathering infrastructure. As part of the Zenit 8 series, it supported military operations through photographic reconnaissance, underscoring the strategic importance of space-based surveillance during the 1980s. Its launch on a Soyuz-U rocket highlights the Soviet space program’s reliance on proven, cost-effective launch systems for critical missions. While individual Zenit satellites like Cosmos 1848 were not publicly detailed due to their classified nature, their collective role in maintaining Soviet military capabilities is well-documented.  

## Notable For  
- **Zenit 8 Class Membership**: Part of a specialized reconnaissance satellite series used exclusively by the Soviet military.  
- **Soyuz-U Launch Vehicle**: Utilized a widely employed and dependable rocket variant for deployment.  
- **Plesetsk Cosmodrome Launch**: Originated from a primary Soviet spaceport, emphasizing its military significance.  

## Body  
### Launch Details  
- **Date/Time**: May 28, 1987, at 12:45:00 UTC  
- **Site**: Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 43/4, a facility primarily used for military launches.  
- **Rocket**: Soyuz-U, a “Universal” variant of the Soyuz design optimized for satellite deployments.  

### Satellite Specifications  
- **Class**: Zenit 8, a dedicated military reconnaissance platform.  
- **Identifiers**:  
  - **COSPAR ID**: 1987-047A  
  - **SCN**: 18017  

### Mission Context  
- **Purpose**: Conduct photographic surveillance for Soviet military intelligence.  
- **Historical Significance**: Operated during a period of heightened Cold War tensions, contributing to the USSR’s strategic monitoring capabilities.  
- **Program Affiliation**: Part of the broader Zenit satellite program, which included numerous launches between 1961 and 1996.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report