# Cosmos 397

> soviet satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q13566852](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q13566852)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/cosmos-397

## Summary
Cosmos 397 was a Soviet military satellite launched on February 25, 1971, from the Baikonur Cosmodrome. It was part of the Kosmos series of Soviet and Russian military satellites and was launched using a Tsyklon-2 rocket. The satellite is identified by its international designation 1971-015A and has the catalog number 04964.

## Key Facts
- Launched on February 25, 1971, at 11:11:10 UTC from Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 90
- Catalog number: 04964
- International designation: 1971-015A
- Part of the Kosmos series of Soviet and Russian military satellites
- Launched using a Tsyklon-2 expendable launch vehicle
- Has aliases including Kosmos 397
- Available in Wikipedia languages: Hungarian, Macedonian, Serbo-Croatian, Serbian

## FAQs
### Q: What was Cosmos 397?
A: Cosmos 397 was a Soviet military satellite launched on February 25, 1971, from the Baikonur Cosmodrome. It was part of the Kosmos series of Soviet and Russian military satellites and was launched using a Tsyklon-2 rocket.

### Q: When and where was Cosmos 397 launched?
A: Cosmos 397 was launched on February 25, 1971, at 11:11:10 UTC from Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 90 in Kazakhstan.

### Q: What type of launch vehicle was used for Cosmos 397?
A: Cosmos 397 was launched using a Tsyklon-2 expendable launch vehicle, which was a Soviet/Ukrainian rocket developed for military satellite launches.

## Why It Matters
Cosmos 397 represents a significant component of the Soviet Union's military space program during the Cold War era. As part of the Kosmos series, it contributed to the extensive network of military satellites that provided the Soviet Union with reconnaissance, communication, and other strategic capabilities. The launch of Cosmos 397 using the Tsyklon-2 rocket demonstrates the technological capabilities of the Soviet space program in the early 1970s and its ability to deploy military assets in orbit. These satellites played a crucial role in maintaining the balance of power during the Cold War and advancing space technology for military applications.

## Notable For
- Part of the extensive Kosmos series of Soviet and Russian military satellites
- Launched using the Tsyklon-2 rocket, a significant Soviet/Ukrainian expendable launch vehicle
- Contributed to the Soviet Union's military space capabilities during the Cold War
- Demonstrates the technological capabilities of Soviet space program in the early 1970s
- Represents the strategic importance of military satellites in Cold War-era space exploration

## Body
### Launch Details
Cosmos 397 was launched on February 25, 1971, at 11:11:10 UTC from Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 90. The launch site, located in Kazakhstan, was the primary Soviet spaceport and has been used for numerous significant space missions throughout history.

### Satellite Classification
As part of the Kosmos series, Cosmos 397 was classified as a military satellite. The Kosmos series encompassed a wide range of Soviet and Russian military satellites, including those used for reconnaissance, communication, and other strategic purposes. This series was crucial for the Soviet Union's space-based military capabilities during the Cold War era.

### Launch Vehicle
The satellite was launched using a Tsyklon-2 rocket, which was a Soviet/Ukrainian expendable launch vehicle. The Tsyklon-2 was developed specifically for military satellite launches and was known for its reliability and effectiveness in deploying payloads to orbit. This launch vehicle played a significant role in the Soviet space program's ability to maintain a presence in space for military purposes.

### International Designation and Catalog Number
Cosmos 397 is identified by its international designation 1971-015A and catalog number 04964. These designations are used by space agencies and organizations worldwide to track and catalog objects in Earth's orbit, ensuring proper identification and monitoring of space assets.

### Historical Context
The launch of Cosmos 397 in 1971 occurred during a period of intense space competition between the Soviet Union and the United States. Military satellites like Cosmos 397 were crucial for maintaining strategic advantages and gathering intelligence during the Cold War. The successful deployment of such satellites demonstrated the Soviet Union's growing capabilities in space technology and its commitment to maintaining a strong military presence beyond Earth's atmosphere.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report