# Cosmos 296
**Wikidata**: [Q13408429](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q13408429)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/cosmos-296

## Summary
Cosmos 296 was a Soviet reconnaissance satellite launched on August 29, 1969, from the Baikonur Cosmodrome. It was part of the Zenit-4 series and was launched aboard a Voskhod rocket, marking a significant mission in the Soviet Union's space program.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: August 29, 1969
- **Launch Vehicle**: Voskhod
- **Launch Site**: Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 31
- **Satellite Class**: Zenit-4
- **COSPAR ID**: 1969-075A
- **SCN (NORAD ID)**: 04080
- **Country of Origin**: Soviet Union
- **Significant Event**: Rocket launch at 09:05 UTC on August 29, 1969

## FAQs
### Q: What type of satellite was Cosmos 296?
A: Cosmos 296 was a Zenit-4 reconnaissance satellite, part of the Soviet Union's reconnaissance satellite program.

### Q: Which rocket launched Cosmos 296?
A: The satellite was launched aboard a Voskhod rocket from the Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 31 on August 29, 1969.

### Q: What was the purpose of Cosmos 296?
A: Cosmos 296 was a reconnaissance satellite, likely used for military or intelligence-gathering purposes.

### Q: How is Cosmos 296 classified in the COSPAR system?
A: Cosmos 296 is classified under the COSPAR ID 1969-075A.

### Q: What was the launch time of Cosmos 296?
A: The launch occurred at 09:05 UTC on August 29, 1969.

## Why It Matters
Cosmos 296 represents a key mission in the Soviet Union's early reconnaissance satellite program. Launched during the Cold War, it contributed to the development of space-based surveillance capabilities. The Zenit-4 series, of which Cosmos 296 was a part, played a crucial role in the Soviet Union's efforts to monitor global activities. The mission highlights the technological advancements and strategic significance of the era, particularly in the context of the space race. By deploying advanced reconnaissance satellites, the Soviet Union demonstrated its capability to conduct surveillance from space, enhancing its military and intelligence operations.

## Notable For
- **First Zenit-4 Satellite**: Cosmos 296 was the first satellite of the Zenit-4 class, marking the debut of this reconnaissance satellite series.
- **Voskhod Launch Vehicle**: It was launched using the Voskhod rocket, which was also used for crewed missions, showcasing its versatility.
- **Cold War Surveillance**: The satellite was part of the Soviet Union's reconnaissance efforts during the Cold War, contributing to space-based intelligence gathering.
- **Baikonur Launch Site**: The mission utilized the Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 31, a key launch facility for Soviet space missions.
- **Early Space Reconnaissance**: Cosmos 296 was part of the Soviet Union's early efforts to establish a space-based reconnaissance capability.

## Body
### Mission Overview
Cosmos 296 was launched on August 29, 1969, at 09:05 UTC from the Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 31. It was part of the Zenit-4 series of reconnaissance satellites, which were designed for military and intelligence purposes. The satellite was launched aboard a Voskhod rocket, a launch vehicle that had previously been used for crewed missions, demonstrating its adaptability for both human and satellite payloads.

### Satellite Classification
The satellite is classified as a Zenit-4, a type of reconnaissance satellite developed by the Soviet Union. The Zenit series was known for its advanced imaging capabilities, allowing it to capture high-resolution images of strategic targets. Cosmos 296, as the first of its class, played a pivotal role in establishing this reconnaissance capability.

### Launch Details
The launch of Cosmos 296 was a significant event in the Soviet space program. It marked the first deployment of the Zenit-4 satellite and highlighted the country's commitment to advancing its space-based surveillance technologies. The Voskhod rocket, used for this mission, was a reliable and versatile launch vehicle, contributing to the success of the mission.

### Significance in Space History
Cosmos 296 is notable for its role in the Soviet Union's early reconnaissance satellite program. The mission demonstrated the country's ability to conduct surveillance from space, a capability that was crucial during the Cold War. The satellite's launch and operation were part of a broader effort to enhance the Soviet Union's military and intelligence capabilities in space.

### Legacy
The Zenit-4 series, of which Cosmos 296 was the first, continued to be used for reconnaissance missions, contributing to the Soviet Union's space-based intelligence gathering efforts. The satellite's launch and operation were part of a broader technological and strategic development in the space race, showcasing the Soviet Union's advancements in space technology.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report