# Cosmos 1961
**Wikidata**: [Q12753542](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q12753542)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/cosmos-1961

Here’s the structured knowledge entry for **Cosmos 1961**:

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## Summary  
Cosmos 1961 is a Soviet military communications satellite belonging to the Potok class. It was launched on August 1, 1988, aboard a Proton-K rocket from Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 200. The satellite used a Blok DM-2 space tug for orbital insertion.

## Key Facts  
- **Launch Date:** August 1, 1988 ([reference](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q6272367))  
- **COSPAR ID:** 1988-066A ([reference](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q200386))  
- **Launch Vehicle:** Proton-K ([reference](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q6272367))  
- **Launch Site:** Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 200 ([reference](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q6272367))  
- **Space Tug:** Blok DM-2 ([reference](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q6272367))  
- **Satellite Class:** Potok ([reference](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q6272367))  
- **SCN (Satellite Catalog Number):** 19344 ([reference](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q6272367))  
- **Aliases:** Kosmos 1961  

## FAQs  
### Q: What was the purpose of Cosmos 1961?  
A: Cosmos 1961 was a military communications satellite designed to relay secure data for Soviet defense operations.  

### Q: What rocket launched Cosmos 1961?  
A: It was launched aboard a Proton-K rocket, a Soviet heavy-lift launch vehicle.  

### Q: Where was Cosmos 1961 launched from?  
A: It was launched from Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 200 in Kazakhstan.  

## Why It Matters  
Cosmos 1961 was part of the Potok satellite series, which played a critical role in Soviet military communications during the Cold War. These satellites ensured secure and reliable data transmission for strategic command systems, enhancing operational coordination. The use of Proton-K rockets and Blok DM-2 space tugs demonstrated Soviet advancements in heavy-lift launch capabilities and orbital insertion precision. Although primarily military-focused, the technology contributed to broader space infrastructure development.  

## Notable For  
- **Military Communications:** Part of the Potok class, dedicated to secure Soviet military data relay.  
- **Proton-K Launch:** Demonstrated the reliability of Soviet heavy-lift rockets.  
- **Blok DM-2 Space Tug:** Highlighted advanced orbital transfer technology.  

## Body  
### Launch Details  
- **Date:** August 1, 1988  
- **Time:** 21:04 UTC ([reference](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q6272367))  
- **Site:** Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 200  

### Technical Specifications  
- **Satellite Class:** Potok (military communications)  
- **Space Tug:** Blok DM-2 (used for orbital insertion)  

### Mission Context  
- **Role:** Secure military data relay  
- **Legacy:** Contributed to Soviet space-based communications infrastructure  

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Let me know if you'd like any refinements!

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report