# Cosmos 1960
**Wikidata**: [Q13566739](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q13566739)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/cosmos-1960

## Summary  
Cosmos 1960 was a Soviet satellite launched in 1988 as part of the Rhombus-class spacecraft series. It was deployed using a Kosmos-3M rocket from Plesetsk Cosmodrome, serving purposes typical of Soviet satellite missions during the Cold War era.  

## Key Facts  
- **Launch Date**: July 28, 1988, at 11:20:00 UTC.  
- **COSPAR ID**: 1988-065A.  
- **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN)**: 19338.  
- **Launch Vehicle**: Kosmos-3M rocket.  
- **Launch Site**: Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 132.  
- **Class**: Rhombus satellite.  
- **Mission Context**: Part of the Soviet Union’s satellite program for communications, navigation, or reconnaissance.  

## FAQs  
### Q: When was Cosmos 1960 launched?  
A: Cosmos 1960 was launched on July 28, 1988, at 11:20:00 UTC from Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 132.  

### Q: What type of satellite was Cosmos 1960?  
A: It belonged to the Rhombus class of satellites, commonly used by the Soviet Union for military or scientific missions.  

### Q: What rocket was used to launch Cosmos 1960?  
A: The satellite was deployed via a Kosmos-3M rocket, a reliable launch vehicle developed by the Soviet Union.  

## Why It Matters  
Cosmos 1960 represents a typical Soviet-era satellite mission, reflecting the USSR’s emphasis on space-based capabilities during the Cold War. As part of the Rhombus class, it contributed to the Soviet Union’s strategic goals, likely involving communications, navigation, or intelligence-gathering. The use of the Kosmos-3M rocket underscores the efficiency of Soviet launch systems, which were pivotal in maintaining the nation’s space infrastructure. While specific mission details remain undisclosed, satellites like Cosmos 1960 played a critical role in advancing Soviet technological and military interests, shaping the broader landscape of Cold War-era space exploration.  

## Notable For  
- **Rhombus-Class Membership**: Part of a series of satellites designed for versatile military or scientific applications.  
- **Kosmos-3M Rocket**: Utilized a launch vehicle known for its reliability and frequent use in Soviet satellite deployments.  
- **Plesetsk Cosmodrome Launch**: Originated from a key Soviet spaceport, highlighting the USSR’s decentralized launch capabilities.  
- **Cold War Context**: Embodied the Soviet Union’s strategic investment in space-based assets during a period of geopolitical tension.  

## Body  
### Launch Details  
- **Date/Time**: July 28, 1988, at 11:20:00 UTC.  
- **Location**: Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 132 in the Soviet Union (now Russia).  
- **Vehicle**: Kosmos-3M rocket (a lightweight, cold-launch system).  

### Satellite Specifications  
- **Class**: Rhombus satellite.  
- **Identifiers**:  
  - **COSPAR ID**: 1988-065A.  
  - **SCN**: 19338.  

### Mission Context  
- **Purpose**: Likely involved in communications, navigation, or reconnaissance, consistent with Rhombus-class objectives.  
- **Historical Significance**: Reflects the Soviet Union’s systematic use of satellites for military and scientific advancement during the 1980s.  

### Technical Heritage  
- **Kosmos-3M Rocket**: A derivative of the R-14 Chusovaya missile, adapted for satellite launches.  
- **Rhombus Class**: A standardized satellite design emphasizing modularity and cost-effectiveness for frequent deployments.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report