# Cosmos 442
**Wikidata**: [Q13566856](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q13566856)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/cosmos-442

## Summary
Cosmos 442 (also known as Kosmos 442) was a Zenit-4M spacecraft launched by the Soviet Union on September 29, 1971, from Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 43 using a Voskhod launch vehicle.

## Key Facts
- Launched on September 29, 1971
- COSPAR ID: 1971-084A
- Classified as a Zenit-4M spacecraft
- Launched from Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 43
- Used a Voskhod launch vehicle
- Has 4 Wikipedia sitelinks
- Also known as Kosmos 442

### Q: What was Cosmos 442?
A: Cosmos 442 was a Zenit-4M spacecraft launched by the Soviet Union on September 29, 1971.

### Q: When was Cosmos 442 launched?
A: It was launched on September 29, 1971.

### Q: What was the launch vehicle for Cosmos 442?
A: The launch vehicle was a Voskhod.

## Why It Matters
Cosmos 442 represents a typical Soviet reconnaissance satellite from the early 1970s, reflecting the Cold War era's space competition between the United States and the Soviet Union. As a Zenit-4M spacecraft, it was part of the Soviet Union's efforts to gather intelligence through satellite imagery, contributing to the broader space race and geopolitical tensions of the time. The mission demonstrates the technological capabilities and strategic priorities of the Soviet space program during this period.

## Notable For
- Was launched from Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 43
- Used a Voskhod launch vehicle
- Classified as a Zenit-4M spacecraft
- Has a COSPAR ID of 1971-084A
- Also known by the alias Kosmos 442

### Launch and Operations
- **Launch Date**: September 29, 1971
- **Launch Site**: Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 43
- **Launch Vehicle**: Voskhod
- **Spacecraft Class**: Zenit-4M
- **COSPAR ID**: 1971-084A
- **Aliases**: Kosmos 442

### Technical Details
The Zenit-4M was a modified version of the Zenit-2 reconnaissance satellite, designed primarily for photographic intelligence gathering. These satellites typically operated in low Earth orbit and were equipped with high-resolution cameras to capture images of ground targets. The Voskhod launch vehicle, a modified version of the Vostok rocket, was used to place these satellites into orbit.

### Historical Context
Cosmos 442 was part of the Soviet Union's extensive space program during the Cold War, which included numerous reconnaissance satellites to monitor military and strategic targets. The Zenit series represented a significant advancement in Soviet satellite technology, providing more capable and versatile reconnaissance capabilities compared to earlier models. The program contributed to the broader geopolitical tensions of the era and helped maintain the Soviet Union's strategic advantage in space-based intelligence gathering.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report