# Cosmos 1886
**Wikidata**: [Q12753501](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q12753501)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/cosmos-1886

## Summary
Cosmos 1886 was a Soviet reconnaissance satellite launched in 1987 as part of the Yantar-4K2 class, designed for photo surveillance. It was deployed using a Soyuz-U rocket from Plesetsk Cosmodrome, reflecting Cold War-era military space capabilities.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: September 17, 1987, at 14:59:59 UTC.
- **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN)**: 18366.
- **COSPAR ID**: 1987-081A.
- **Class**: Yantar-4K2, a Soviet/Russian spy satellite series.
- **Launch Vehicle**: Soyuz-U rocket, a reliable variant of the Soyuz design.
- **Launch Site**: Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 41.
- **Alternative Name**: Kosmos 1886.

## FAQs
### Q: What was the purpose of Cosmos 1886?
A: Cosmos 1886 was a military reconnaissance satellite used for photo surveillance as part of the Soviet Union's intelligence-gathering efforts.

### Q: When and where was Cosmos 1886 launched?
A: It launched on September 17, 1987, at 14:59:59 UTC from Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 41 in the Soviet Union.

### Q: What type of rocket was used to launch Cosmos 1886?
A: The satellite was deployed using a Soyuz-U rocket, a variant known for its reliability in Soviet space missions.

## Why It Matters
Cosmos 1886 represents a key component of the Soviet Union's Cold War-era space-based reconnaissance program. As part of the Yantar-4K2 class, it contributed to military intelligence gathering through photo surveillance, underscoring the strategic importance of space assets during the Cold War. The use of the Soyuz-U rocket highlights the Soviet space program's emphasis on reliable and versatile launch systems, which supported both civilian and military missions. This satellite, while one of many in its class, exemplifies the integration of space technology into national security strategies during a period of heightened geopolitical tensions.

## Notable For
- **Yantar-4K2 Class Membership**: Part of a series of film-return reconnaissance satellites critical to Soviet military intelligence.
- **Soyuz-U Launch Vehicle**: Utilized a widely used and dependable rocket variant for deployment.
- **Plesetsk Cosmodrome Launch Site**: Originated from a key Soviet military spaceport, emphasizing its role in national security operations.
- **Precise Launch Timing**: Launched at 14:59:59 UTC, reflecting meticulous planning typical of Cold War space missions.

## Body
### Launch Details
- **Date/Time**: September 17, 1987, at 14:59:59 UTC.
- **Location**: Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 41, a primary Soviet military launch facility.
- **Vehicle**: Soyuz-U (Universal variant), a workhorse rocket for Soviet satellite deployments.

### Satellite Specifications
- **Class**: Yantar-4K2, designed for low-Earth orbit photo reconnaissance.
- **Identifiers**:
  - **SCN**: 18366.
  - **COSPAR ID**: 1987-081A.
  - **Alias**: Kosmos 1886.

### Mission Context
- **Purpose**: To conduct photographic surveillance for military intelligence, a core function of the Yantar-4K2 series.
- **Historical Significance**: Operated during the Cold War, underscoring the Soviet Union's reliance on space-based assets for strategic advantage.

### Legacy
- **Technical Heritage**: The Yantar-4K2 class and Soyuz-U rocket exemplify Soviet engineering focused on reliability and adaptability.
- **Operational Secrecy**: Typical of military satellites, detailed mission outcomes remain undisclosed, reflecting the clandestine nature of reconnaissance operations.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report