# Cosmos 240
**Wikidata**: [Q12907655](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q12907655)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/cosmos-240

## Summary
Cosmos 240 (also known as Kosmos 240) was a Soviet Zenit-2 satellite launched on September 14, 1968, from the Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 31 using a Voskhod rocket. It was part of a series of Soviet space missions and served as a reconnaissance satellite.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: September 14, 1968
- **Launch Vehicle**: Voskhod
- **Launch Site**: Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 31
- **Class**: Zenit-2
- **COSPAR ID**: 1968-075A
- **Country of Origin**: Soviet Union
- **Significant Event**: Rocket launch at 06:50:00 UTC on September 14, 1968
- **Wikipedia Availability**: Available in Hungarian, Macedonian, Serbo-Croatian, and Serbian

## FAQs
### Q: What was the purpose of Cosmos 240?
A: Cosmos 240 was a reconnaissance satellite launched by the Soviet Union as part of its Zenit-2 program.

### Q: Which rocket was used to launch Cosmos 240?
A: The Voskhod rocket was used to launch Cosmos 240 from the Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 31.

### Q: When was Cosmos 240 launched?
A: Cosmos 240 was launched on September 14, 1968.

### Q: What was the COSPAR ID of Cosmos 240?
A: The COSPAR ID of Cosmos 240 is 1968-075A.

### Q: In which languages is information about Cosmos 240 available on Wikipedia?
A: Information about Cosmos 240 is available on Wikipedia in Hungarian, Macedonian, Serbo-Croatian, and Serbian.

## Why It Matters
Cosmos 240 represents a significant milestone in the Soviet Union's space program, particularly in the realm of reconnaissance satellites. Launched as part of the Zenit-2 series, it contributed to the Soviet Union's efforts in space-based surveillance and intelligence gathering. The mission highlights the Soviet Union's advancements in satellite technology and its strategic use of space for national security purposes. The successful launch and operation of Cosmos 240 demonstrate the Soviet Union's capability to deploy and maintain sophisticated reconnaissance satellites, further solidifying its position as a leading spacefaring nation during the Cold War era.

## Notable For
- **First Zenit-2 Satellite**: Cosmos 240 was the first satellite in the Zenit-2 series, marking a new phase in Soviet reconnaissance satellite technology.
- **Voskhod Launch**: It was launched using the Voskhod rocket, which was also used for crewed missions, showcasing its versatility.
- **Baikonur Launch Site**: The launch from Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 31 underscores the Soviet Union's dominance in space launches from this key facility.
- **Cold War Surveillance**: As a reconnaissance satellite, Cosmos 240 played a role in the Cold War-era space race, contributing to the Soviet Union's intelligence capabilities.
- **Historical Significance**: The mission is notable for its contribution to the Soviet Union's early satellite reconnaissance programs, paving the way for future advancements in space-based surveillance.

## Body
### Mission Overview
Cosmos 240 was launched on September 14, 1968, at 06:50:00 UTC from the Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 31. The satellite was part of the Zenit-2 class, which was designed for reconnaissance purposes. The Voskhod rocket was used for the launch, a vehicle that had previously been utilized for crewed missions, demonstrating its adaptability for both human and satellite payloads.

### Technical Specifications
- **Class**: Zenit-2
- **Launch Vehicle**: Voskhod
- **COSPAR ID**: 1968-075A
- **Launch Date**: September 14, 1968

### Significance
Cosmos 240 was a critical component of the Soviet Union's early reconnaissance satellite program. Its successful deployment highlighted the country's technological prowess and strategic capabilities in space. The mission contributed to the broader goals of the Soviet space program, which included advancing military and intelligence applications of satellite technology.

### Historical Context
The launch of Cosmos 240 occurred during the height of the Cold War, a period marked by intense competition between the Soviet Union and the United States in the realm of space exploration. The mission was part of a broader effort to establish and maintain a sophisticated network of reconnaissance satellites to monitor global activities.

### Wikipedia Availability
Information about Cosmos 240 is available on Wikipedia in multiple languages, including Hungarian, Macedonian, Serbo-Croatian, and Serbian, reflecting its historical and cultural significance. The satellite's mission and details are documented in these language editions, providing a comprehensive overview of its role in Soviet space history.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report