# Cosmos 2278
**Wikidata**: [Q12907624](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q12907624)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/cosmos-2278

## Summary
Cosmos 2278 was a Soviet signals intelligence satellite launched on April 23, 1994, from the Baikonur Cosmodrome. It was part of the Tselina-2 series and was launched aboard a Zenit-2 rocket, marking a significant mission in Soviet space surveillance.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: April 23, 1994
- **Launch Vehicle**: Zenit-2 rocket
- **Launch Site**: Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 45
- **Satellite Class**: Tselina-2 (signals intelligence satellite)
- **COSPAR ID**: 1994-023A
- **Aliases**: Kosmos 2278
- **Significant Event**: Rocket launch at 08:01:59 UTC on April 23, 1994
- **Wikipedia Availability**: Available in Croatian, Macedonian, Serbian (Cyrillic), and Serbian (Latin)

## FAQs
### Q: What type of satellite was Cosmos 2278?
A: Cosmos 2278 was a Tselina-2 signals intelligence satellite, designed for Soviet military surveillance and communications monitoring.

### Q: Which rocket launched Cosmos 2278?
A: The satellite was launched aboard a Zenit-2 rocket, a Ukrainian-Russian launch vehicle used for satellite deployments.

### Q: Where was Cosmos 2278 launched from?
A: The launch occurred from Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 45, a key Soviet spaceport.

### Q: What was the COSPAR ID for Cosmos 2278?
A: The COSPAR ID for the mission was 1994-023A, assigned by the Committee on Space Research.

### Q: How many languages has Cosmos 2278's Wikipedia page been translated into?
A: The Wikipedia page for Cosmos 2278 is available in four languages: Croatian, Macedonian, Serbian (Cyrillic), and Serbian (Latin).

## Why It Matters
Cosmos 2278 represents a critical mission in the Soviet Union's space-based intelligence network. As part of the Tselina-2 series, it played a role in monitoring global communications, a key aspect of Cold War-era surveillance. The launch, conducted using a Zenit-2 rocket, highlights the Soviet space program's reliance on Ukrainian-Russian technology. While the satellite's specific operations remain classified, its inclusion in the Tselina-2 program underscores the Soviet Union's commitment to maintaining a robust signals intelligence capability. The mission contributes to the broader historical record of Soviet space activities, particularly in the realm of military reconnaissance.

## Notable For
- **Tselina-2 Heritage**: One of the last operational satellites in the Tselina-2 series, reflecting the Soviet Union's late-era intelligence capabilities.
- **Zenit-2 Launch**: Demonstrated the reliability of the Zenit-2 rocket in deploying critical military satellites.
- **Baikonur Deployment**: Further solidified Baikonur Cosmodrome's role as a primary launch site for Soviet intelligence missions.
- **COSPAR Recognition**: The assignment of COSPAR ID 1994-023A confirms the mission's official documentation in international space tracking systems.

## Body
### Mission Overview
Cosmos 2278 was launched as part of the Soviet Union's Tselina-2 satellite constellation, which was designed for signals intelligence and electronic surveillance. The mission took place on April 23, 1994, at 08:01:59 UTC, from Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 45.

### Launch Vehicle
The satellite was deployed using a Zenit-2 rocket, a Ukrainian-Russian launch vehicle known for its reliability in deploying satellites. The Zenit-2 was a key component of the Soviet space program, particularly in the late 1990s.

### Satellite Classification
As a Tselina-2 satellite, Cosmos 2278 was part of a series focused on intercepting and analyzing foreign communications. The Tselina-2 class was a critical element of the Soviet Union's space-based intelligence network.

### International Recognition
The mission was officially recorded under the COSPAR ID 1994-023A, ensuring its inclusion in global space tracking databases. The satellite's Wikipedia page has been translated into multiple languages, reflecting its broader historical significance.

### Legacy
While specific details about Cosmos 2278's operations remain classified, its launch and deployment highlight the Soviet Union's continued investment in space-based intelligence. The mission contributes to the historical record of Soviet space activities, particularly in the context of Cold War-era surveillance.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report