# Cosmos 200
**Wikidata**: [Q13377626](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q13377626)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/cosmos-200

## Summary
Cosmos 200 was a Soviet signals intelligence satellite launched on January 19, 1968. Designated as part of the Tselina-O class of spacecraft, it was deployed into orbit using a Kosmos-3M rocket from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome.

## Key Facts
*   **Classification:** Cosmos 200 is an instance of the **Tselina-O**, a model of Soviet signals intelligence satellite.
*   **Launch Date:** The satellite was launched on **January 19, 1968**.
*   **Launch Vehicle:** It was propelled by a **Kosmos-3M** rocket.
*   **Launch Site:** The launch originated from **Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 132**.
*   **COSPAR ID:** Its international designation is **1968-006A**.
*   **Satellite Catalog Number:** It is identified by the SCN **03100**.
*   **Launch Event:** The specific rocket launch occurred at **22:00:00** on January 19, 1968.
*   **Aliases:** The entity is also known as **Kosmos 200**.

## FAQs
### Q: What type of satellite was Cosmos 200?
A: Cosmos 200 was a Tselina-O class satellite, which functions as a Soviet signals intelligence (SIGINT) gathering unit.

### Q: When was Cosmos 200 launched?
A: The satellite was successfully launched on January 19, 1968, at 22:00:00 UTC.

### Q: What rocket was used to deploy Cosmos 200?
A: Cosmos 200 was launched using a Kosmos-3M rocket from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 132.

## Why It Matters
Cosmos 200 serves as a specific historical data point within the broader scope of the Soviet Union's space-based reconnaissance efforts during the Cold War. As a Tselina-O satellite, it represents the technological infrastructure dedicated to signals intelligence, a critical component of national security and military monitoring during the 1960s.

The entry highlights the operational use of the Kosmos-3M launch vehicle, a workhorse rocket of the era, and confirms the utilization of the Plesetsk Cosmodrome, specifically Site 132, for these military payloads. By documenting the precise COSPAR ID (1968-006A) and launch coordinates, the entity provides verifiable technical data essential for tracking the history of orbital objects and understanding the deployment patterns of early Soviet spy satellites.

## Notable For
*   **Signals Intelligence:** It is a recognized unit of the Tselina-O class, dedicated to intercepting signals intelligence.
*   **Specific Launch Configuration:** It utilized the Kosmos-3M rocket, a prominent launch vehicle for Russian/Soviet aerospace efforts.
*   **Precise Chronology:** The launch is recorded with an exact timestamp (22:00:00), providing precise historical data for the mission.
*   **Orbital Tracking:** It maintains a distinct entry in satellite catalogs via SCN 03100 and COSPAR ID 1968-006A.

## Body

### Mission Classification
Cosmos 200 is officially classified as an **instance of Tselina-O**. This model of spacecraft was utilized by the Soviet Union for signals intelligence purposes. The "Cosmos" designation was a standard practice used to obscure the military nature of such satellites, grouping them with scientific research missions.

### Launch Operations
The satellite was launched on **January 19, 1968**. The mission was executed from the **Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 132**, a primary launch facility used for deploying military satellites. The launch window was precise, with the significant event of the rocket launch recorded at exactly **22:00:00**.

### Vehicle and Identifiers
The launch vehicle assigned to this mission was the **Kosmos-3M**, a two-stage rocket derived from the R-14 ballistic missile. This rocket was frequently used for lighter military payloads during this era.

In international catalogs, Cosmos 200 is tracked using the following identifiers:
*   **COSPAR ID:** 1968-006A
*   **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN):** 03100
*   **Wolfram Language Entity Code:** Entity["Satellite", "03100"]

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report