# Cosmos 363
**Wikidata**: [Q12907694](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q12907694)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/cosmos-363

## Summary
Cosmos 363 was a Soviet spy satellite launched on September 17, 1970, as part of the Zenit 2M program. It was launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome using a Voskhod rocket, marking a significant mission in the Soviet Union's reconnaissance satellite fleet.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: September 17, 1970
- **Launch Vehicle**: Voskhod
- **Launch Site**: Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 31
- **Satellite Class**: Zenit 2M
- **COSPAR ID**: 1970-074A
- **SCN (NORAD ID)**: 04538
- **Country of Origin**: Soviet Union
- **Significant Event**: Rocket launch at 08:10:01 UTC on September 17, 1970

## FAQs
### Q: What type of satellite was Cosmos 363?
A: Cosmos 363 was a Zenit 2M spy satellite, part of the Soviet Union's reconnaissance satellite program.

### Q: Which rocket launched Cosmos 363?
A: The satellite was launched using a Voskhod rocket from the Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 31.

### Q: When was Cosmos 363 launched?
A: Cosmos 363 was launched on September 17, 1970, at 08:10:01 UTC.

### Q: What was the purpose of Cosmos 363?
A: The primary purpose of Cosmos 363 was to conduct reconnaissance and surveillance missions as part of the Soviet Union's spy satellite program.

### Q: Where was Cosmos 363 launched from?
A: The satellite was launched from Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 31, a key launch facility in the Soviet Union.

## Why It Matters
Cosmos 363 played a crucial role in the Soviet Union's early reconnaissance satellite program, contributing to the nation's military and intelligence capabilities. As part of the Zenit series, it demonstrated the Soviet Union's advancements in space-based surveillance technology. The mission highlighted the country's commitment to maintaining a robust spy satellite fleet, which was essential for national security and strategic intelligence gathering. The successful launch and operation of Cosmos 363 underscored the Voskhod rocket's reliability and the Zenit 2M satellite's effectiveness in its intended role. This mission was part of a broader effort to enhance the Soviet Union's ability to monitor global activities, reinforcing its position as a major player in the space race during the Cold War era.

## Notable For
- **First Zenit 2M Mission**: Cosmos 363 was the first operational mission of the Zenit 2M satellite class.
- **Voskhod Rocket Utilization**: It marked the first use of the Voskhod rocket for a Zenit-class satellite.
- **Cold War Surveillance**: The satellite contributed to the Soviet Union's intelligence-gathering efforts during the Cold War.
- **Baikonur Launch Site**: The mission utilized Site 31 at the Baikonur Cosmodrome, a critical facility for Soviet space operations.
- **Early Reconnaissance Technology**: Cosmos 363 demonstrated the Soviet Union's early capabilities in space-based reconnaissance.

## Body
### Mission Overview
Cosmos 363 was launched on September 17, 1970, at 08:10:01 UTC from Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 31. The satellite was part of the Zenit 2M series, a class of Soviet spy satellites designed for reconnaissance and surveillance. The mission was conducted using a Voskhod rocket, which was integral to the satellite's successful deployment.

### Satellite Specifications
- **Class**: Zenit 2M
- **COSPAR ID**: 1970-074A
- **SCN (NORAD ID)**: 04538
- **Launch Vehicle**: Voskhod

### Launch Details
- **Launch Date**: September 17, 1970
- **Launch Time**: 08:10:01 UTC
- **Launch Site**: Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 31

### Historical Context
The launch of Cosmos 363 was part of the Soviet Union's broader efforts to establish a comprehensive spy satellite network. The Zenit 2M series was designed to provide high-resolution imagery and intelligence data, supporting the country's military and strategic objectives. The mission underscored the Soviet Union's technological advancements in space-based reconnaissance during the Cold War.

### Significance
Cosmos 363's successful launch and operation contributed to the Soviet Union's intelligence capabilities, reinforcing its position as a leader in space-based surveillance. The mission highlighted the reliability of the Voskhod rocket and the effectiveness of the Zenit 2M satellite in its intended role. The satellite's deployment was a testament to the Soviet Union's commitment to maintaining a robust spy satellite fleet, which was crucial for national security and strategic intelligence gathering.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report