# Cosmos 290
**Wikidata**: [Q12753790](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q12753790)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/cosmos-290

## Summary
Cosmos 290 was a Soviet satellite launched on July 22, 1969, using the Voskhod rocket from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome. It was an uncrewed mission and part of the Zenit-2 satellite series, designed for military or reconnaissance purposes.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: July 22, 1969
- **Launch Vehicle**: Voskhod
- **Launch Site**: Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 41
- **Satellite Class**: Zenit-2
- **COSPAR ID**: 1969-060A
- **SCN (NORAD)**: 04042
- **Country of Origin**: Soviet Union
- **Mission Type**: Uncrewed satellite (likely military or reconnaissance)
- **Related Spacecraft Series**: Voskhod (both launch vehicle and spacecraft series)

## FAQs
### Q: What was the purpose of Cosmos 290?
A: Cosmos 290 was an uncrewed Soviet satellite, likely used for military or reconnaissance purposes, as it was part of the Zenit-2 series.

### Q: Which rocket launched Cosmos 290?
A: The Voskhod rocket launched Cosmos 290 from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome on July 22, 1969.

### Q: What was the significance of the Zenit-2 series?
A: The Zenit-2 series was a Soviet satellite class, and Cosmos 290 was one of its missions, contributing to the Soviet Union's military and reconnaissance capabilities.

### Q: Where was Cosmos 290 launched from?
A: Cosmos 290 was launched from Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 41 in the Soviet Union.

### Q: Was Cosmos 290 crewed?
A: No, Cosmos 290 was an uncrewed satellite mission.

## Why It Matters
Cosmos 290 represents a key mission in the Soviet Union's early space program, particularly in the context of military and reconnaissance satellite deployments. As part of the Zenit-2 series, it was designed to support the Soviet military's needs, likely for intelligence gathering or communications. The mission highlights the Soviet Union's efforts to maintain a robust space presence during the Cold War, even as the U.S. and other nations advanced in space exploration. While not as widely documented as crewed missions like Voskhod, Cosmos 290 was a critical part of the Soviet space program's broader objectives.

## Notable For
- **First Zenit-2 Mission**: Cosmos 290 was one of the earliest satellites in the Zenit-2 series, demonstrating the Soviet Union's ability to deploy military satellites.
- **Voskhod Rocket Utilization**: The mission marked another use of the Voskhod rocket, which had previously launched crewed missions like Voskhod 1.
- **Plesetsk Cosmodrome Deployment**: The launch from Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 41 was a key site for Soviet military and reconnaissance missions.
- **Uncrewed Military Satellite**: As part of the Zenit-2 series, Cosmos 290 was likely used for intelligence, surveillance, or communications purposes.

## Body
### Mission Overview
Cosmos 290 was launched on July 22, 1969, at 12:30 UTC from Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 41. The satellite was part of the Zenit-2 class, a series of Soviet satellites designed for military or reconnaissance applications. The mission was launched using the Voskhod rocket, which had previously been used for crewed missions like Voskhod 1.

### Satellite Classification
The Zenit-2 series was a Soviet satellite class, and Cosmos 290 was one of its missions. The series was likely used for military purposes, including intelligence gathering or communications. The satellite was uncrewed, distinguishing it from other Voskhod missions that carried astronauts.

### Launch Details
- **Launch Date**: July 22, 1969
- **Launch Time**: 12:30 UTC
- **Launch Site**: Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 41
- **Launch Vehicle**: Voskhod
- **COSPAR ID**: 1969-060A
- **SCN (NORAD)**: 04042

### Related Missions
Cosmos 290 was part of the broader Voskhod program, which included both crewed missions (like Voskhod 1) and uncrewed satellite launches. The Voskhod rocket was a key component of the Soviet space program during the early 1960s, contributing to both human spaceflight and military satellite deployments.

### Significance in Soviet Space Program
The mission was significant as part of the Soviet Union's efforts to maintain a strong military presence in space during the Cold War. While not as widely publicized as crewed missions, uncrewed satellites like Cosmos 290 played a crucial role in the Soviet Union's space strategy, supporting intelligence, surveillance, and communications needs.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report