# Cosmos 473
**Wikidata**: [Q12753864](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q12753864)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/cosmos-473

## Summary
Cosmos 473 was a Soviet spy satellite launched on February 3, 1972, from the Baikonur Cosmodrome. It was part of the Zenit 2M series and was launched aboard a Voskhod rocket. The satellite was designated Kosmos 473 and had a COSPAR ID of 1972-006A.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: February 3, 1972
- **Launch Vehicle**: Voskhod
- **Launch Site**: Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 31
- **Satellite Class**: Zenit 2M
- **COSPAR ID**: 1972-006A
- **SCN (Satellite Catalog Number)**: 05821
- **Aliases**: Kosmos 473
- **Significant Event**: Rocket launch at 08:40:00 UTC on February 3, 1972

## FAQs
### Q: What type of satellite was Cosmos 473?
A: Cosmos 473 was a Zenit 2M spy satellite, part of the Soviet Union's reconnaissance satellite program.

### Q: Which rocket was used to launch Cosmos 473?
A: The satellite was launched aboard a Voskhod rocket from the Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 31.

### Q: When was Cosmos 473 launched?
A: Cosmos 473 was launched on February 3, 1972.

### Q: What is the COSPAR ID of Cosmos 473?
A: The COSPAR ID for Cosmos 473 is 1972-006A.

### Q: What is the SCN (Satellite Catalog Number) of Cosmos 473?
A: The SCN for Cosmos 473 is 05821.

## Why It Matters
Cosmos 473 was part of the Soviet Union's extensive satellite program, which included both crewed spacecraft and reconnaissance satellites. The Zenit 2M series was designed for military and intelligence purposes, contributing to the Soviet Union's capabilities in space-based surveillance. The launch of Cosmos 473, along with other satellites in the program, played a significant role in the Cold War-era space race, demonstrating the Soviet Union's technological advancements in satellite technology. The Voskhod rocket, used for this launch, was also part of the Soviet space program, contributing to both crewed missions and satellite deployments.

## Notable For
- **Spy Satellite**: Cosmos 473 was a Zenit 2M satellite, designed for military reconnaissance.
- **Voskhod Launch**: The satellite was launched using the Voskhod rocket, which was also used for crewed missions.
- **Baikonur Launch**: The launch took place from Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 31, a key site for Soviet space operations.
- **Cold War Era**: The satellite was operational during the Cold War, reflecting the era's geopolitical tensions and space-based surveillance efforts.
- **COSPAR ID**: The satellite's COSPAR ID (1972-006A) is a unique identifier in the international satellite catalog.

## Body
### Satellite Classification
Cosmos 473 was classified as a Zenit 2M satellite, part of the Soviet Union's reconnaissance satellite program. The Zenit series was known for its military applications, including intelligence gathering.

### Launch Details
The satellite was launched on February 3, 1972, at 08:40:00 UTC from Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 31. The launch vehicle used was the Voskhod, which was also employed for crewed missions.

### Technical Specifications
- **COSPAR ID**: 1972-006A
- **SCN (Satellite Catalog Number)**: 05821
- **Aliases**: Kosmos 473

### Historical Context
The launch of Cosmos 473 occurred during the Cold War, a period marked by geopolitical tensions and advancements in space technology. The satellite's mission was part of the Soviet Union's broader efforts in space-based surveillance and reconnaissance.

### Related Programs
- **Voskhod**: The launch vehicle used for Cosmos 473 was also associated with the Voskhod series of crewed spacecraft.
- **Zenit Series**: The Zenit 2M satellite class was part of the larger Zenit series, known for its military and reconnaissance applications.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report