# Cosmos 1978
**Wikidata**: [Q13566744](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q13566744)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/cosmos-1978

## Summary
Cosmos 1978 (alias Kosmos 1978) is a Zenit 8-class military reconnaissance (spy) satellite launched by the Soviet Union. It was placed into orbit on 1988-10-27 from Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 16 aboard a Soyuz-U launch vehicle.

## Key Facts
- Cosmos 1978 is an instance of the Zenit 8 class, a military spy satellite used by the Soviet Union.  
- COSPAR ID: 1988-097A.  
- Satellite catalog number (scn): 19612.  
- Launch date and time: 1988-10-27; significant event recorded at 11:31:00.  
- Launch site: Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 16.  
- Launch vehicle: Soyuz-U (a Soyuz rocket design variant described as "Universal").  
- Alias: Kosmos 1978.  
- Wolfram language entity code: Entity["Satellite", "19612"].  
- Recorded sitelink_count: 3.  
- Languages with Wikipedia entries recorded: mk, sh, sr.

## FAQs
### Q: What is Cosmos 1978?
A: Cosmos 1978 is a Zenit 8-class military reconnaissance (spy) satellite of the Soviet Union launched on 1988-10-27.

### Q: When and where was Cosmos 1978 launched?
A: Cosmos 1978 was launched on 1988-10-27 from Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 16. The recorded launch time for the rocket event is 11:31:00.

### Q: What rocket launched Cosmos 1978?
A: The satellite was launched on a Soyuz-U launch vehicle, a variant of the Soyuz rocket family described as "Universal."

### Q: How is Cosmos 1978 identified in satellite catalogs?
A: It is identified by COSPAR ID 1988-097A and satellite catalog number 19612; its Wolfram entity code is Entity["Satellite", "19612"].

## Why It Matters
Cosmos 1978 is part of the Zenit 8 family, a category of Soviet military reconnaissance satellites. As a Zenit 8-class vehicle, it represents a component of the Soviet Union's space-based intelligence and observation capabilities. The recorded launch details — a Soyuz-U vehicle from Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 16 on 1988-10-27 at 11:31:00 — place the satellite within the documented operational history of Soviet launches using the Soyuz-U "Universal" launcher. Identification data such as COSPAR ID 1988-097A and satellite catalog number 19612 allow researchers, cataloguers, and analysts to track its orbital records and relate it to other missions. The existence of Wikipedia-language entries in mk, sh, and sr and a Wolfram entity code indicate that Cosmos 1978 is represented in multiple public databases and reference sources, supporting cross-referencing for historical, technical, and orbital research. Its classification as a military spy satellite highlights its role in defense and intelligence infrastructure rather than civilian or scientific applications.

## Notable For
- Being a Zenit 8-class military reconnaissance (spy) satellite used by the Soviet Union.  
- Launch on 1988-10-27 from Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 16 at 11:31:00.  
- Use of the Soyuz-U launch vehicle, the "Universal" variant of the Soyuz family.  
- Identification by COSPAR ID 1988-097A and satellite catalog number 19612.  
- Representation in multiple reference systems (Wolfram entity code and Wikipedia language entries mk, sh, sr).

## Body

### Classification and identity
- Name: Cosmos 1978.  
- Alias: Kosmos 1978.  
- Instance of: Zenit 8 (military spy satellite used by the Soviet Union).  
- COSPAR ID: 1988-097A.  
- Satellite catalog number (scn): 19612.  
- Wolfram language entity code: Entity["Satellite", "19612"].

### Launch details
- Launch date: 1988-10-27.  
- Significant event recorded as: rocket launch.  
- Launch event time qualifier: 11:31:00 (on 1988-10-27).  
- Launch site / start point: Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 16.  
- Launch vehicle: Soyuz-U (Soyuz rocket design variant, described as "Universal").

### Program context and references
- Class association: Zenit 8 — described as a military spy satellite class used by the Soviet Union.  
- Launch vehicle country association: Soyuz-U is associated with the Soviet Union as the operating country for that launcher variant.  
- Public/reference presence: recorded sitelink_count of 3 and Wikipedia-language entries in mk, sh, sr.  
- Cataloging: documented with COSPAR and internal satellite catalog number allowing cross-referencing in orbital and bibliographic datasets.

### Recorded metadata
- Primary structured references for the above data are indicated in the source metadata used to compile this entry.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report