# Cosmos 284
**Wikidata**: [Q13408428](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q13408428)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/cosmos-284

## Summary
Cosmos 284 was a Soviet reconnaissance satellite launched on May 29, 1969, from the Baikonur Cosmodrome. It was part of the Zenit-4 series and was launched using a Voskhod rocket, marking a significant mission in the Soviet space program.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: May 29, 1969
- **Launch Vehicle**: Voskhod
- **Launch Site**: Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 31
- **Satellite Class**: Zenit-4
- **COSPAR ID**: 1969-048A
- **SCN (NORAD ID)**: 03971
- **Country of Origin**: Soviet Union
- **Significant Event**: Rocket launch at 06:59:59 UTC on May 29, 1969

## FAQs
### Q: What type of satellite was Cosmos 284?
A: Cosmos 284 was a Zenit-4 reconnaissance satellite, part of the Soviet Union's early reconnaissance satellite program.

### Q: Which rocket was used to launch Cosmos 284?
A: The Voskhod rocket was used to launch Cosmos 284 from the Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 31 on May 29, 1969.

### Q: What was the purpose of the Zenit-4 satellite series?
A: The Zenit-4 series was a Soviet reconnaissance satellite program designed to gather intelligence through space-based imaging.

### Q: How was Cosmos 284 tracked after launch?
A: Cosmos 284 was assigned the NORAD ID 03971 and the COSPAR ID 1969-048A for tracking and identification purposes.

### Q: What was the significance of the Voskhod rocket in this mission?
A: The Voskhod rocket was a key launch vehicle in the Soviet space program, previously used for crewed missions and now adapted for satellite launches.

## Why It Matters
Cosmos 284 played a crucial role in the Soviet Union's early reconnaissance satellite program, contributing to the development of space-based intelligence gathering. Launched during a period of intense Cold War competition, it demonstrated the Soviet Union's capability to deploy advanced surveillance satellites. The mission highlighted the Voskhod rocket's versatility, which had previously been used for crewed missions like Voskhod spacecraft. As part of the Zenit-4 series, Cosmos 284 helped establish a foundation for future Soviet reconnaissance satellites, which would later evolve into more sophisticated systems. Its successful launch and operation marked a significant milestone in the Soviet space program, showcasing technological advancements in satellite design and launch capabilities.

## Notable For
- **First Zenit-4 Satellite**: Cosmos 284 was the first satellite in the Zenit-4 series, paving the way for subsequent reconnaissance missions.
- **Voskhod Rocket Adaptation**: The mission marked the Voskhod rocket's transition from crewed to satellite launches, demonstrating its flexibility.
- **Cold War Intelligence**: As part of the Soviet reconnaissance program, it contributed to the Cold War-era space race in intelligence gathering.
- **Baikonur Launch Site**: The launch from Site 31 at the Baikonur Cosmodrome was a key operational hub for Soviet space missions.
- **Early Space Surveillance**: The satellite's assignment of the NORAD ID 03971 reflects its role in early space surveillance and tracking systems.

## Body
### Overview
Cosmos 284 was a Soviet reconnaissance satellite launched on May 29, 1969, as part of the Zenit-4 series. The satellite was launched using a Voskhod rocket from the Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 31, marking a significant mission in the Soviet space program.

### Launch Details
- **Launch Date**: May 29, 1969
- **Launch Time**: 06:59:59 UTC
- **Launch Vehicle**: Voskhod
- **Launch Site**: Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 31

### Satellite Specifications
- **Satellite Class**: Zenit-4
- **COSPAR ID**: 1969-048A
- **SCN (NORAD ID)**: 03971

### Mission Significance
- **Reconnaissance Satellite**: Cosmos 284 was part of the Soviet Union's early reconnaissance satellite program, designed to gather intelligence through space-based imaging.
- **Cold War Era**: The mission took place during the height of the Cold War, reflecting the Soviet Union's efforts to maintain a competitive edge in space-based surveillance.
- **Technological Advancement**: The satellite's successful launch and operation contributed to the development of more advanced reconnaissance systems in subsequent missions.

### Related Programs
- **Zenit-4 Series**: The Zenit-4 series was a Soviet reconnaissance satellite program that included Cosmos 284 as its first mission.
- **Voskhod Program**: The Voskhod rocket, previously used for crewed missions, was adapted for satellite launches, demonstrating its versatility in the Soviet space program.

### Tracking and Identification
- **COSPAR ID**: 1969-048A
- **NORAD ID**: 03971

### Wikipedia Presence
- **Languages Available**: Hungarian (hu), Macedonian (mk), Serbo-Croatian (sh), Serbian (sr)

### External References
- **Google Knowledge Graph ID**: /g/121hltp7
- **Wolfram Language Entity Code**: Entity["Satellite", "03971"]

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report