# Cosmos 1945
**Wikidata**: [Q12907532](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q12907532)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/cosmos-1945

## Summary
Cosmos 1945 (also known as Kosmos 1945) is a Soviet military spy satellite of the Zenit 8 class that was launched on May 19, 1988.

## Key Facts
- It is an instance of the Zenit 8 military spy satellite class used by the Soviet Union
- Its COSPAR identification number is 1988-042A
- The satellite was launched on May 19, 1988
- It was launched from Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 31
- The launch vehicle was a Soyuz-U rocket
- Its Wikidata identifier is 19131
- It is also known by the alias Kosmos 1945

## FAQs
### Q: What is Cosmos 1945?
A: It is a Soviet military spy satellite of the Zenit 8 class, launched in 1988.

### Q: When was Cosmos 1945 launched?
A: It was launched on May 19, 1988.

### Q: What was its purpose?
A: It served as a military spy satellite for reconnaissance purposes.

### Q: What rocket launched it?
A: It was launched using a Soyuz-U rocket.

## Why It Matters
Cosmos 1945 represents a component of the Soviet Union's military surveillance capabilities during the Cold War era. As a Zenit 8 satellite, it was part of a series designed for intelligence gathering and reconnaissance, contributing to the strategic balance between superpowers. The satellite's deployment from Baikonur Cosmodrome highlights the Soviet space program's infrastructure and technological capabilities during this period. Its operation would have provided valuable intelligence for military planning and national security, reflecting the broader geopolitical tensions of the time.

## Notable For
- It is classified as a Zenit 8 military spy satellite, specifically designed for intelligence gathering
- It represents the Soviet Union's space-based reconnaissance capabilities
- It was launched using the Soyuz-U rocket, a common Soviet launch vehicle
- It operates under the Cosmos designation system for Soviet satellites
- Its COSPAR ID (1988-042A) provides a unique identifier for tracking and cataloging

## Body
### Technical Specifications
- **Class**: Zenit 8 military spy satellite
- **Country of origin**: Soviet Union
- **Launch vehicle**: Soyuz-U
- **Launch site**: Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 31
- **Launch date**: 1988-05-19
- **COSPAR ID**: 1988-042A
- **Wikidata ID**: 19131

### Operational Details
The Zenit 8 satellite series was specifically designed for military reconnaissance purposes, utilizing advanced imaging technology to capture high-resolution photographs of ground targets. The Soyuz-U rocket, a versatile launch vehicle, provided the necessary thrust to place the satellite into orbit. The Baikonur Cosmodrome, one of the world's oldest and most active spaceports, served as the launch site for this mission.

### Classification and Identification
Cosmos 1945 operates under the Soviet designation system where satellites are often numbered sequentially within the Cosmos program. The Zenit 8 designation indicates its specific design and mission profile within the Soviet military space program. The COSPAR ID provides an international standard for tracking and cataloging the satellite's orbital parameters and mission status.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report