# Cosmos 1956
**Wikidata**: [Q12753537](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q12753537)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/cosmos-1956

## Summary
Cosmos 1956 is a Zenit 8 military spy satellite launched by the Soviet Union on June 23, 1988, from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 41 using a Soyuz-U rocket. It is part of the Kosmos satellite series and was assigned the COSPAR ID 1988-055A.

## Key Facts
- **Satellite class**: Zenit 8 (military spy satellite)
- **Operator**: Soviet Union
- **Launch date**: June 23, 1988
- **Launch site**: Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 41
- **Launch vehicle**: Soyuz-U
- **COSPAR ID**: 1988-055A
- **SCN (NORAD ID)**: 19263
- **Instance of**: Zenit 8 satellite
- **Significant event**: Rocket launch at 07:45:00 UTC on June 23, 1988

## FAQs
### Q: What type of satellite was Cosmos 1956?
A: Cosmos 1956 was a Zenit 8 military spy satellite, part of the Soviet Union's reconnaissance satellite program.

### Q: When and where was Cosmos 1956 launched?
A: It was launched on June 23, 1988, from Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 41 using a Soyuz-U rocket.

### Q: What was the COSPAR ID of Cosmos 1956?
A: Its COSPAR ID was 1988-055A, assigned by the Committee on Space Research.

### Q: What was the NORAD ID of Cosmos 1956?
A: Its NORAD ID (SCN) was 19263.

### Q: Which rocket launched Cosmos 1956?
A: The Soyuz-U rocket was used to launch Cosmos 1956.

## Why It Matters
Cosmos 1956 was part of the Soviet Union's extensive satellite program, which included both civilian and military applications. The Zenit 8 satellite class was designed for reconnaissance and surveillance, contributing to the Cold War-era space race. The launch of Cosmos 1956, along with other Kosmos satellites, demonstrated the Soviet Union's capability in space-based intelligence gathering. While the satellite's specific mission details remain classified, its inclusion in the Kosmos series highlights the Soviet Union's commitment to maintaining a robust presence in space during the 1980s.

## Notable For
- **Military reconnaissance**: Part of the Zenit 8 satellite class, designed for surveillance.
- **Soviet space program**: Launched as part of the Kosmos series, reflecting the Soviet Union's space capabilities.
- **Soyuz-U launch**: Demonstrated the reliability of the Soyuz-U rocket for military satellite deployments.
- **Cold War-era satellite**: Operated during a period of intense geopolitical competition in space.
- **Plesetsk Cosmodrome launch**: Utilized a key Soviet spaceport for military and reconnaissance missions.

## Body
### Satellite Classification
Cosmos 1956 is classified as a Zenit 8 satellite, a type of military spy satellite operated by the Soviet Union. The Zenit series was designed for reconnaissance and surveillance, contributing to the Soviet Union's intelligence-gathering efforts during the Cold War.

### Launch Details
The satellite was launched on **June 23, 1988**, at **07:45:00 UTC** from **Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 41**. The **Soyuz-U** rocket was used as the launch vehicle, a variant of the Soyuz family designed for universal missions, including military satellite deployments.

### Identification
- **COSPAR ID**: 1988-055A (assigned by the Committee on Space Research).
- **SCN (NORAD ID)**: 19263 (assigned by the North American Aerospace Defense Command).
- **Aliases**: Kosmos 1956 (alternative name).

### Operational Context
Cosmos 1956 is part of the broader **Kosmos satellite series**, which included both civilian and military satellites. The Soviet Union's space program during the 1980s was marked by a focus on maintaining technological superiority in space-based intelligence and reconnaissance.

### Wikipedia Presence
The satellite has Wikipedia entries in **Macedonian (mk)**, **Serbo-Croatian (sh)**, and **Serbian (sr)** languages, indicating its historical significance in those regions.

### References
- **P248**: Q6272367 (source of key details)
- **P143**: Q206855 (reference for Soyuz-U country of origin)
- **P143**: Q200386 (reference for COSPAR ID)

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report