# Cosmos 1904
**Wikidata**: [Q13566726](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q13566726)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/cosmos-1904

## Summary
Cosmos 1904 was a Soviet Parus-class navigation satellite launched on December 23, 1987, from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome using a Kosmos-3M rocket. It was assigned the international designation 1987-106A and the satellite catalog number 18709. The satellite operated as part of the Soviet Union's maritime navigation system.

## Key Facts
- Launched on December 23, 1987, at 20:22:40 UTC from Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 133
- Satellite catalog number: 18709
- International designation: 1987-106A
- Satellite class: Parus (a Soviet maritime navigation satellite)
- Launch vehicle: Kosmos-3M rocket
- Launch country: Soviet Union
- Operated as part of the Soviet maritime navigation system
- Available in Croatian, Macedonian, Serbo-Croatian, and Serbian Wikipedia editions
- Wolfram Language entity code: Entity["Satellite", "18709"]

## FAQs
### Q: What was the purpose of Cosmos 1904?
A: Cosmos 1904 was a Parus-class navigation satellite designed to support Soviet maritime navigation operations. It was part of a series of satellites used for precise positioning and timing for naval vessels.

### Q: When and where was Cosmos 1904 launched?
A: Cosmos 1904 was launched on December 23, 1987, at 20:22:40 UTC from Site 133 at the Plesetsk Cosmodrome in the Soviet Union.

### Q: What type of rocket launched Cosmos 1904?
A: Cosmos 1904 was launched using a Kosmos-3M rocket, a Soviet-era launch vehicle that was commonly used for deploying small satellites into low Earth orbit.

## Why It Matters
Cosmos 1904 represents a significant component of the Soviet Union's maritime navigation infrastructure during the Cold War era. As a Parus-class satellite, it contributed to the Soviet naval navigation system, providing critical positioning and timing data for naval vessels operating across the world's oceans. The satellite's launch demonstrates the Soviet Union's commitment to maintaining independent navigation capabilities separate from Western systems like GPS. The Kosmos-1904 mission exemplifies the technological capabilities of the Soviet space program in the late 1980s, particularly in the domain of specialized military and maritime applications. Its successful deployment helped ensure the Soviet Navy's operational effectiveness and strategic autonomy in navigation and positioning services.

## Notable For
- Part of the Parus navigation satellite series, which was crucial for Soviet maritime operations
- Launched during the final years of the Cold War, representing advanced Soviet space capabilities
- Successfully deployed using the reliable Kosmos-3M launch vehicle
- Contributed to the Soviet Union's independent navigation infrastructure
- Maintained operational status for an extended period as part of the broader Parus constellation

## Body
### Technical Specifications and Classification
Cosmos 1904 was classified as a Parus-class satellite, which was the Soviet designation for a series of maritime navigation satellites. These satellites were specifically designed to provide precise positioning and timing services for Soviet naval vessels. The Parus system was the Soviet counterpart to Western navigation satellite systems and was essential for maintaining naval operational capabilities.

### Launch Details
The satellite was launched on December 23, 1987, at exactly 20:22:40 UTC from Site 133 at the Plesetsk Cosmodrome. Plesetsk was the primary launch site for Soviet military and navigation satellites, chosen for its northern latitude which was advantageous for certain orbital trajectories. The launch vehicle used was the Kosmos-3M, a proven and reliable rocket that had been in service since the 1960s.

### Operational Context
As a Parus satellite, Cosmos 1904 would have operated in a specific orbital configuration designed to provide continuous coverage for maritime navigation. These satellites typically operated in constellations, with multiple satellites working together to ensure global or regional coverage. The system was particularly important for Soviet naval operations, allowing ships to determine their precise position without relying on potentially compromised Western navigation systems.

### Historical Significance
The launch of Cosmos 1904 occurred during a critical period in the Cold War, just a few years before the dissolution of the Soviet Union. The continued deployment of specialized military and navigation satellites demonstrates the Soviet commitment to maintaining technological parity with Western nations. The Parus system, including Cosmos 1904, represented a significant investment in autonomous military capabilities and strategic independence.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report