# Cosmos 2078
**Wikidata**: [Q12907569](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q12907569)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/cosmos-2078

## Summary
Cosmos 2078 was a Soviet spy satellite of the Yantar-1KFT class, launched on May 15, 1990, from Gagarin's Start using a Soyuz-U rocket. It was part of the Soviet Union's reconnaissance satellite program, designed for photographic surveillance and intelligence gathering.

## Key Facts
- **Classification**: Instance of the Yantar-1KFT spy satellite class.
- **Launch Date**: May 15, 1990, at 09:55:00 UTC.
- **Launch Site**: Gagarin's Start (Baikonur Cosmodrome).
- **Launch Vehicle**: Soyuz-U rocket, a variant of the Soyuz design.
- **COSPAR ID**: 1990-044A.
- **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN)**: 20615.
- **Aliases**: Also known as Kosmos 2078.
- **Wikipedia Coverage**: Available in Macedonian (mk), Serbo-Croatian (sh), and Serbian (sr).
- **Wolfram Language Entity Code**: `Entity["Satellite", "20615"]`.

## FAQs
**What was the purpose of Cosmos 2078?**
Cosmos 2078 was a reconnaissance satellite, part of the Soviet Yantar-1KFT program, designed for photographic surveillance and intelligence collection.

**When and where was Cosmos 2078 launched?**
It was launched on May 15, 1990, at 09:55:00 UTC from Gagarin's Start, the historic launch site at Baikonur Cosmodrome.

**What rocket was used to launch Cosmos 2078?**
The satellite was launched aboard a Soyuz-U rocket, a universal variant of the Soyuz design, widely used by the Soviet Union for various missions.

**What is the significance of the COSPAR ID 1990-044A?**
The COSPAR ID (1990-044A) is an international designation for the satellite, indicating it was the 44th successful launch of 1990 and the primary payload (A) of that mission.

## Why It Matters
Cosmos 2078 was part of the Soviet Union's strategic reconnaissance efforts during the late Cold War era. As a Yantar-1KFT satellite, it contributed to intelligence gathering, providing high-resolution photographic data for military and political purposes. Its successful launch and operation demonstrated the Soviet Union's continued advancements in space-based surveillance technology, reinforcing its capabilities in global monitoring and security.

## Notable For
- Being a part of the Yantar-1KFT spy satellite program, a key component of Soviet reconnaissance efforts.
- Launched during the final years of the Soviet Union, reflecting the country's ongoing space capabilities.
- Utilizing the reliable Soyuz-U rocket, a workhorse of the Soviet space program.

## Body
### Overview
Cosmos 2078 was a Soviet reconnaissance satellite belonging to the Yantar-1KFT class, designed for photographic surveillance. It was launched on May 15, 1990, from Gagarin's Start, the historic launch pad at Baikonur Cosmodrome, using a Soyuz-U rocket.

### Launch Details
- **Date and Time**: The satellite was launched on May 15, 1990, at 09:55:00 UTC.
- **Launch Site**: Gagarin's Start, a significant launch complex at Baikonur Cosmodrome, known for its role in the Soviet space program.
- **Launch Vehicle**: The Soyuz-U rocket, a universal variant of the Soyuz design, was used for the launch. This rocket was a reliable and frequently used vehicle for Soviet space missions.

### Technical Specifications
- **COSPAR ID**: 1990-044A, an international designation indicating the satellite's launch sequence and payload status.
- **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN)**: 20615, a unique identifier assigned to the satellite for tracking purposes.
- **Class**: Yantar-1KFT, a type of Soviet spy satellite designed for photographic reconnaissance.

### Context and Significance
Cosmos 2078 was part of the broader Yantar-1KFT program, which played a crucial role in the Soviet Union's intelligence-gathering efforts. These satellites were equipped with advanced photographic equipment to capture high-resolution images for military and strategic purposes. The successful launch and operation of Cosmos 2078 demonstrated the Soviet Union's continued prowess in space technology and reconnaissance capabilities.

### Related Entities
- **Yantar-1KFT**: The class of spy satellites to which Cosmos 2078 belonged, known for their reconnaissance capabilities.
- **Soyuz-U**: The rocket variant used for the launch, a universal version of the Soyuz design, widely used by the Soviet Union for various space missions.

### Wikipedia Coverage
Cosmos 2078 has Wikipedia entries in Macedonian (mk), Serbo-Croatian (sh), and Serbian (sr), indicating its recognition in these linguistic communities.

### Wolfram Language Entity
The satellite is also referenced in the Wolfram Language with the entity code `Entity["Satellite", "20615"]`, providing a computational reference for the satellite.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report