# Cosmos 477
**Wikidata**: [Q12907718](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q12907718)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/cosmos-477

## Summary
Cosmos 477 was a Soviet spy satellite launched on March 4, 1972, as part of the Zenit 2M program. It was deployed from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 41 using a Voskhod launch vehicle, marking a significant mission in the Soviet Union's reconnaissance satellite fleet.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: March 4, 1972
- **Launch Vehicle**: Voskhod
- **Launch Site**: Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 41
- **Satellite Class**: Zenit 2M
- **COSPAR ID**: 1972-013A
- **Country of Origin**: Soviet Union
- **Mission Type**: Spy satellite
- **Related Programs**: Part of the Voskhod series of spacecraft and launch vehicles

## FAQs
### Q: What was the purpose of Cosmos 477?
A: Cosmos 477 was a Soviet spy satellite designed for reconnaissance and intelligence gathering, operating as part of the Zenit 2M program.

### Q: Which launch vehicle was used to deploy Cosmos 477?
A: The satellite was launched using a Voskhod rocket from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 41 on March 4, 1972.

### Q: What was the significance of Cosmos 477 in Soviet space programs?
A: Cosmos 477 was part of the Voskhod series, which included both spacecraft and launch vehicles, contributing to the Soviet Union's early reconnaissance satellite capabilities.

## Why It Matters
Cosmos 477 played a crucial role in the Soviet Union's early reconnaissance satellite program, demonstrating the country's advancements in space-based intelligence gathering. As part of the Zenit 2M class, it was designed to support military and strategic surveillance, contributing to the broader efforts of the Voskhod series. The mission highlighted the Soviet Union's commitment to developing advanced spy satellites during the Cold War era, ensuring a robust reconnaissance capability.

## Notable For
- **First Launch of Zenit 2M Class**: Cosmos 477 was one of the first satellites in the Zenit 2M series, marking a significant milestone in Soviet reconnaissance technology.
- **Voskhod Launch Vehicle**: The mission utilized the Voskhod rocket, which was also part of the Voskhod crewed spacecraft program, showcasing its versatility.
- **Plesetsk Cosmodrome Deployment**: The launch from Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 41 underscored the Soviet Union's strategic use of this facility for military and reconnaissance missions.

## Body
### Mission Overview
Cosmos 477 was launched on March 4, 1972, from Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 41 using a Voskhod launch vehicle. It was part of the Zenit 2M satellite class, designed for reconnaissance and intelligence gathering. The satellite's deployment marked a key mission in the Soviet Union's early reconnaissance satellite program.

### Technical Specifications
- **Satellite Class**: Zenit 2M
- **Launch Vehicle**: Voskhod
- **Launch Date**: March 4, 1972
- **Launch Site**: Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 41
- **COSPAR ID**: 1972-013A

### Historical Context
Cosmos 477 was part of the Voskhod series, which included both spacecraft and launch vehicles. The Voskhod program was significant in Soviet space history, contributing to early crewed spaceflight and reconnaissance capabilities. The satellite's mission highlighted the Soviet Union's advancements in space-based intelligence gathering during the Cold War.

### Significance
The launch of Cosmos 477 was a pivotal moment in the Soviet Union's reconnaissance satellite program. It demonstrated the country's ability to deploy advanced spy satellites, supporting military and strategic surveillance. The mission underscored the Voskhod series' role in both crewed spaceflight and reconnaissance, contributing to the broader Soviet space program.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report