# Cosmos 287
**Wikidata**: [Q12907676](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q12907676)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/cosmos-287

## Summary
Cosmos 287 (also known as Kosmos 287) was a Soviet Zenit-2 satellite launched on June 24, 1969, from Baikonur Cosmodrome using a Voskhod rocket.

## Key Facts
- It was a Zenit-2 satellite with the COSPAR ID 1969-054A.
- Launched on June 24, 1969, from Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 31.
- Was launched using a Voskhod rocket.
- Has the SCN identifier 03991.
- Is classified as a Soviet crewed spacecraft (Zenit-2 class).

## FAQs
### Q: What was Cosmos 287?
A: Cosmos 287 was a Soviet Zenit-2 satellite launched on June 24, 1969.

### Q: What was its purpose?
A: It was a military reconnaissance satellite operated by the Soviet Union.

### Q: What rocket launched it?
A: It was launched using a Voskhod rocket from Baikonur Cosmodrome.

### Q: What is its COSPAR ID?
A: Its COSPAR ID is 1969-054A.

## Why It Matters
Cosmos 287 represents a significant component of the Soviet Union's Cold War space program, specifically serving as a military reconnaissance satellite. During the Cold War era, such satellites were crucial for intelligence gathering and technological competition between the Soviet Union and the United States. The Zenit-2 program, to which Cosmos 287 belonged, was part of the broader Soviet effort to establish technological superiority in space-based reconnaissance capabilities. The satellite's operation from Baikonur Cosmodrome, the primary Soviet space launch facility, highlights the strategic importance of space technology during this period.

## Notable For
- It was the 39th satellite in the Zenit-2 series (SCN 03991).
- It was launched as part of the Soviet Union's military reconnaissance program.
- It represented the Soviet Union's technological capabilities during the Cold War space race.
- It was launched from Baikonur Cosmodrome, the primary Soviet space launch facility.
- It used a Voskhod rocket, which was also used for other Soviet space missions.

## Body
### Technical Specifications
- COSPAR ID: 1969-054A
- SCN: 03991
- Classification: Zenit-2 satellite
- Launch Vehicle: Voskhod rocket
- Launch Site: Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 31
- Launch Date: June 24, 1969

### Operational Details
The Zenit-2 satellite was designed for military reconnaissance purposes. It was part of the Soviet Union's space program during the Cold War era. The satellite was launched as part of a series of similar spacecraft designed to provide intelligence gathering capabilities from space.

### Historical Context
Cosmos 287 was launched during a period of intense competition between the Soviet Union and the United States in space technology. The Zenit-2 program was part of the broader Soviet space program that included both scientific and military applications. The satellite's operation contributed to the technological and strategic advantages sought by the Soviet Union during this period. As a Zenit-2 satellite, it was specifically designed for photographic reconnaissance, representing the Soviet Union's efforts to maintain surveillance capabilities from orbit.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report