# Cosmos 1896
**Wikidata**: [Q12753505](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q12753505)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/cosmos-1896

## Summary  
Cosmos 1896 was a Soviet spy satellite launched in 1987 as part of the Yantar-1KFT class. It was designed for reconnaissance missions and launched aboard a Soyuz-U rocket from Gagarin's Start. The satellite is also known by its alternate name, Kosmos 1896.

## Key Facts  
- **Launch Date:** November 14, 1987 ([reference](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q6272367))  
- **COSPAR ID:** 1987-093A ([reference](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q200386))  
- **Satellite Class:** Yantar-1KFT, a Soviet reconnaissance satellite ([reference](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q6272367))  
- **Launch Vehicle:** Soyuz-U rocket ([reference](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q6272367))  
- **Launch Site:** Gagarin's Start ([reference](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q6272367))  
- **Alternate Name:** Kosmos 1896  
- **SCN (Satellite Catalog Number):** 18535 ([reference](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q6272367))  
- **Significant Event:** Rocket launch at 09:29:00 UTC on November 14, 1987 ([reference](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q6272367))  

## FAQs  
### Q: What was the purpose of Cosmos 1896?  
A: Cosmos 1896 was a reconnaissance satellite designed for intelligence-gathering missions as part of the Soviet Yantar-1KFT program.  

### Q: What rocket launched Cosmos 1896?  
A: It was launched aboard a Soyuz-U rocket, a variant of the Soyuz design.  

### Q: Where was Cosmos 1896 launched from?  
A: The satellite was launched from Gagarin's Start, a historic Soviet launch site.  

## Why It Matters  
Cosmos 1896 was part of the Soviet Union's Yantar-1KFT series, a critical component of Cold War-era reconnaissance efforts. These satellites provided high-resolution imagery for military and intelligence purposes, contributing to strategic decision-making during a tense geopolitical period. The use of the Soyuz-U rocket, a reliable workhorse of Soviet spaceflight, underscores the program's operational efficiency. While not publicly celebrated like crewed missions, reconnaissance satellites like Cosmos 1896 played a vital role in maintaining national security and global surveillance capabilities.  

## Notable For  
- **Reconnaissance Role:** Part of the Yantar-1KFT class, specialized for imaging intelligence.  
- **Soyuz-U Launch:** Demonstrated the reliability of the Soyuz-U rocket for military payloads.  
- **Cold War Context:** Operated during a period of heightened espionage and geopolitical tension.  

## Body  
### Launch Details  
- **Date:** November 14, 1987  
- **Time:** 09:29:00 UTC  
- **Site:** Gagarin's Start ([reference](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q6272367))  

### Satellite Specifications  
- **Class:** Yantar-1KFT ([reference](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q6272367))  
- **Catalog Number:** 18535 ([reference](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q6272367))  

### Mission Context  
- **Primary Function:** Reconnaissance  
- **Launch Vehicle:** Soyuz-U ([reference](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q6272367))  
- **Alternate Name:** Kosmos 1896

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report