# Cosmos 260
**Wikidata**: [Q592851](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q592851)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/cosmos-260

## Summary
Cosmos 260 was a Soviet communications satellite of the Molniya-1+ class, launched on December 16, 1968, aboard a Molniya-M rocket from Gagarin's Start. It was part of the Soviet Cosmos program and utilized a highly elliptical orbit for communications coverage in high-latitude regions.

## Key Facts
- Classified as a Molniya-1+ communications satellite  
- Launched on December 16, 1968, at 09:15:03 UTC from Gagarin's Start  
- Used a Molniya-M rocket as its launch vehicle  
- COSPAR identifier: 1968-115A  
- Serial number (scn): 03619  
- Part of the Soviet Cosmos satellite series  
- Has entries in 5 Wikipedia languages: Hungarian, Macedonian, Portuguese, Serbo-Croatian, and Serbian  
- Listed as a "rocket launch" event in Wikidata  

## FAQs  
### Q: What was the primary purpose of Cosmos 260?  
A: Cosmos 260 was designed as a communications satellite, specifically the Molniya-1+ variant optimized for high-latitude coverage using a highly elliptical orbit.  

### Q: When and where was Cosmos 260 launched?  
A: It launched on December 16, 1968, at 09:15:03 UTC from Gagarin's Start (Baikonur Cosmodrome).  

### Q: How does Cosmos 260 differ from earlier Molniya satellites?  
A: Cosmos 260 belonged to the improved Molniya-1+ class, featuring enhanced capabilities over the original Molniya-1 design for more reliable communications.  

### Q: Which rocket launched Cosmos 260?  
A: It was deployed via a Molniya-M rocket, a specialized launch vehicle designed for the Molniya satellite series.  

## Why It Matters  
Cosmos 260 represented a critical advancement in Soviet space communications infrastructure during the Cold War. As part of the Molniya-1+ generation, it enabled reliable long-distance communications across the vast northern territories of the USSR, including the Arctic regions where geostationary satellites were ineffective. Its highly elliptical orbit allowed extended coverage over high latitudes, supporting military, scientific, and civilian communications needs. This satellite helped establish the Soviet Union's capability for persistent high-latitude connectivity, complementing broader efforts to counter US satellite dominance in the space race.  

## Notable For  
- Being part of the upgraded Molniya-1+ satellite class with improved communications technology  
- Launching on the Molniya-M rocket, a specialized system for high-inclination Molniya orbits  
- Operating from Gagarin's Start, the historic Soviet launch site  
- One of the few Cosmos satellites with documented Wikipedia entries in five languages (hu, mk, pt, sh, sr)  
- Precisely timed launch at 09:15:03 UTC on December 16, 1968  

## Body  
### Technical Classification  
Cosmos 260 belonged to the Molniya-1+ satellite class, an improved variant of the Molniya-1 series dedicated to Soviet communications. Its primary function involved relaying communications in high-latitude regions via a highly elliptical orbit (apogee ~40,000 km, perigee ~500 km), providing extended coverage over the Arctic and northern territories of the USSR.  

### Mission Parameters  
- **Launch Date**: December 16, 1968  
- **Launch Site**: Gagarin's Start (Site 1/5 at Baikonur)  
- **Launch Time**: 09:15:03 UTC  
- **Launch Vehicle**: Molniya-M (8K78M) rocket  
- **Orbit Type**: Highly elliptical Molniya orbit (63.4° inclination)  
- **COSPAR ID**: 1968-115A  
- **Serial Number**: scn 03619  

### Program Context  
Operated under the Soviet Cosmos satellite program, Cosmos 260 was designated for military and strategic communications. It inherited the Molniya series' role in enabling long-range communications for Soviet forces in remote regions, addressing limitations of geostationary satellites at high latitudes. The Molniya-M rocket used for its launch was specifically designed for this satellite class, featuring a 4-stage configuration to achieve the necessary orbit.  

### Documentation  
The satellite is documented in multiple Wikipedia languages (Hungarian, Macedonian, Portuguese, Serbo-Croatian, Serbian), reflecting its regional significance. It is also indexed in the Google Knowledge Graph (/g/120s_7dn) and Wolfram Alpha (Entity["Satellite", "03619"]). Its Wikidata entry links it to the event "rocket launch" with specific temporal and spatial qualifiers.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report