# Cosmos 1990
**Wikidata**: [Q12753555](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q12753555)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/cosmos-1990

## Summary
Cosmos 1990 was a Soviet photo reconnaissance satellite launched in 1989 as part of the Resource-F2 class, designed for military surveillance. It was deployed using a Soyuz-U rocket from Plesetsk Cosmodrome, contributing to the Soviet Union's intelligence-gathering capabilities during the Cold War.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: January 12, 1989, at 11:29:59 UTC.
- **COSPAR ID**: 1989-002A.
- **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN)**: 19756.
- **Launch Vehicle**: Soyuz-U rocket, a variant of the Soyuz design.
- **Launch Site**: Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 16.
- **Class**: Resource-F2, a type of photo reconnaissance satellite.
- **Mission**: Conducted photographic surveillance for military intelligence purposes.

## FAQs
### Q: When was Cosmos 1990 launched?
A: Cosmos 1990 was launched on January 12, 1989, at 11:29:59 UTC from Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 16.

### Q: What was the purpose of Cosmos 1990?
A: It was a photo reconnaissance satellite designed to gather intelligence for the Soviet military, part of the Resource-F2 class.

### Q: How long did Cosmos 1990 remain in orbit?
A: The satellite decayed from orbit approximately 14 days after launch, typical for its mission profile.

## Why It Matters
Cosmos 1990 represents a critical component of the Soviet Union’s Cold War-era reconnaissance efforts. As part of the Resource-F2 class, it exemplified the technological investments made in military surveillance during a period of heightened geopolitical tensions. While its specific mission details remain classified, its launch and operational timeline underscore the strategic importance of space-based intelligence gathering. Satellites like Cosmos 1990 played a role in monitoring adversaries and verifying compliance with arms control agreements, contributing to the broader framework of Cold War deterrence. Its short orbital lifespan also highlights the ephemeral nature of early reconnaissance missions, which relied on film capsules returned to Earth for analysis.

## Notable For
- **Military Classification**: Operated under the Kosmos designation, indicating its role in Soviet military or scientific programs.
- **Soyuz-U Launch Vehicle**: Utilized a reliable and widely used rocket variant, reflecting standardized Soviet launch practices.
- **Short Orbital Lifespan**: Decayed 14 days post-launch, consistent with film-return reconnaissance satellite operations.
- **Plesetsk Cosmodrome Launch Site**: Part of a network of Soviet spaceports critical to maintaining strategic launch capabilities.

## Body
### Launch Details
- **Date/Time**: January 12, 1989, at 11:29:59 UTC.
- **Location**: Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 16, a key Soviet launch facility.
- **Vehicle**: Soyuz-U (Universal) rocket, a modified Soyuz design optimized for satellite deployments.

### Satellite Specifications
- **Class**: Resource-F2, a photo reconnaissance satellite type.
- **Identifiers**: COSPAR ID 1989-002A, SCN 19756.
- **Mission Type**: Military surveillance, likely involving film capsules for photographic intelligence.

### Mission Context
- **Decay**: The satellite reentered Earth’s atmosphere on January 26, 1989, after completing its mission.
- **Operational Pattern**: Typical of Soviet reconnaissance satellites, which prioritized short-term, targeted intelligence collection over long-term orbital presence.
- **Historical Significance**: Part of a broader network of space-based assets used by the Soviet Union to monitor global military activities during the late Cold War.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report