# Cosmos 297
**Wikidata**: [Q12907678](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q12907678)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/cosmos-297

## Summary
Cosmos 297 (also known as Kosmos 297) was a Soviet reconnaissance satellite launched on September 2, 1969, from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome. It was part of the Zenit-4 class of satellites and was launched aboard a Voskhod rocket.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: September 2, 1969
- **Launch Vehicle**: Voskhod
- **Launch Site**: Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 41
- **Class**: Zenit-4
- **COSPAR ID**: 1969-076A
- **Aliases**: Kosmos 297
- **SCN (Satellite Catalog Number)**: 04082
- **Significant Event**: Rocket launch at 11:00:01 UTC on September 2, 1969

## FAQs
### Q: What type of satellite was Cosmos 297?
A: Cosmos 297 was a Zenit-4 class Soviet reconnaissance satellite, designed for military surveillance.

### Q: Which rocket launched Cosmos 297?
A: Cosmos 297 was launched aboard a Voskhod rocket from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 41 on September 2, 1969.

### Q: What was the purpose of the Zenit-4 class satellites?
A: The Zenit-4 class satellites were Soviet reconnaissance satellites used for military surveillance and intelligence gathering.

### Q: How is Cosmos 297 classified in the Satellite Catalog?
A: Cosmos 297 is classified under the Satellite Catalog Number (SCN) 04082.

### Q: What was the launch time of Cosmos 297?
A: The launch occurred at 11:00:01 UTC on September 2, 1969.

## Why It Matters
Cosmos 297 represents a significant milestone in the Soviet Union's space program, particularly in the realm of reconnaissance satellites. As part of the Zenit-4 series, it contributed to the country's military and intelligence capabilities by providing high-resolution imagery for surveillance purposes. The launch of Cosmos 297, along with other Zenit satellites, demonstrated the Soviet Union's advancements in space-based reconnaissance technology during the Cold War era. These satellites played a crucial role in military operations and intelligence gathering, reflecting the broader strategic importance of space-based surveillance systems. The success of Cosmos 297 and its counterparts underscored the Soviet Union's commitment to maintaining a robust space infrastructure for national security and defense.

## Notable For
- **First Zenit-4 Satellite**: Cosmos 297 was one of the earliest satellites in the Zenit-4 class, marking an important step in the Soviet Union's reconnaissance satellite program.
- **Military Surveillance**: The satellite was designed for military reconnaissance, contributing to the Soviet Union's intelligence capabilities.
- **Voskhod Launch**: The use of the Voskhod rocket for launching Cosmos 297 highlighted the versatility of this launch vehicle in deploying both crewed and reconnaissance payloads.
- **Cold War Era**: The satellite's launch occurred during the height of the Cold War, reflecting the intense competition between the Soviet Union and the United States in space-based surveillance technology.
- **Plesetsk Cosmodrome**: The launch from Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 41 demonstrated the Soviet Union's ability to conduct launches from northern facilities, enhancing its strategic flexibility.

## Body
### Overview
Cosmos 297 was a Soviet reconnaissance satellite launched on September 2, 1969, as part of the Zenit-4 series. It was designed for military surveillance and intelligence gathering, contributing to the Soviet Union's space-based reconnaissance capabilities during the Cold War.

### Launch Details
- **Launch Date**: September 2, 1969
- **Launch Vehicle**: Voskhod
- **Launch Site**: Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 41
- **Launch Time**: 11:00:01 UTC

### Satellite Classification
- **Class**: Zenit-4
- **COSPAR ID**: 1969-076A
- **SCN (Satellite Catalog Number)**: 04082

### Historical Context
- **Cold War Era**: The launch of Cosmos 297 occurred during the Cold War, when space-based reconnaissance was a critical component of military strategy.
- **Soviet Space Program**: The satellite was part of the Soviet Union's broader efforts to develop and deploy reconnaissance satellites for national security purposes.

### Technical Specifications
- **Reconnaissance Capabilities**: The Zenit-4 class satellites were equipped with high-resolution cameras and sensors for military surveillance.
- **Orbital Parameters**: Specific orbital details, such as altitude and inclination, are not provided in the source material but are typical for reconnaissance satellites of the era.

### Significance
- **Military Intelligence**: Cosmos 297 played a role in the Soviet Union's military intelligence operations, providing imagery and data for strategic decision-making.
- **Technological Advancement**: The satellite represented a technological advancement in space-based reconnaissance, contributing to the Soviet Union's capabilities in this field.

### Related Entities
- **Zenit-4 Class**: The Zenit-4 series of satellites were part of the Soviet Union's reconnaissance satellite program.
- **Voskhod Rocket**: The Voskhod rocket was used to launch Cosmos 297, demonstrating its versatility in deploying both crewed and uncrewed payloads.
- **Plesetsk Cosmodrome**: The launch site, Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 41, was a key facility for Soviet space launches, including reconnaissance satellites.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report