# Cosmos 491
**Wikidata**: [Q12753870](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q12753870)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/cosmos-491

## Summary
Cosmos 491 was a Soviet satellite launched on May 25, 1972, using the Voskhod rocket from the Baikonur Cosmodrome. It was part of the Zenit-4M class of satellites and was designated with the COSPAR ID 1972-038A.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: May 25, 1972
- **Launch Vehicle**: Voskhod
- **Launch Site**: Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 31
- **Class**: Zenit-4M
- **COSPAR ID**: 1972-038A
- **SCN (Satellite Catalog Number)**: 06035
- **Significant Event**: Rocket launch at 06:35:00 UTC on May 25, 1972
- **Aliases**: Kosmos 491

## FAQs
### Q: What was Cosmos 491?
A: Cosmos 491 was a Soviet satellite launched on May 25, 1972, as part of the Zenit-4M class. It was launched using the Voskhod rocket from the Baikonur Cosmodrome.

### Q: When and where was Cosmos 491 launched?
A: Cosmos 491 was launched on May 25, 1972, from Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 31 using the Voskhod rocket.

### Q: What is the COSPAR ID of Cosmos 491?
A: The COSPAR ID of Cosmos 491 is 1972-038A.

### Q: What class of satellite was Cosmos 491?
A: Cosmos 491 was part of the Zenit-4M class of satellites.

### Q: What is the SCN (Satellite Catalog Number) of Cosmos 491?
A: The SCN of Cosmos 491 is 06035.

## Why It Matters
Cosmos 491 represents a significant entry in the Soviet space program's satellite launches during the 1970s. As part of the Zenit-4M class, it contributed to the broader efforts of the Soviet Union in space exploration and satellite deployment. The launch from Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 31 using the Voskhod rocket highlights the technological capabilities and strategic importance of the Soviet space program at the time. While specific details about its mission or payload are not provided, its inclusion in the Kosmos series indicates its role in supporting military, scientific, or communications objectives. The satellite's designation and launch parameters provide valuable context for understanding the operational aspects of mid-20th-century space activities.

## Notable For
- **First Launch of Zenit-4M Class**: Cosmos 491 was one of the first satellites in the Zenit-4M series.
- **Voskhod Rocket Utilization**: It marked a use of the Voskhod rocket for satellite deployment.
- **Baikonur Cosmodrome Launch**: The launch from Site 31 at Baikonur Cosmodrome was a key operational milestone.
- **COSPAR and SCN Designation**: The assignment of COSPAR ID 1972-038A and SCN 06035 reflects its cataloging in international space tracking systems.

## Body
### Launch Details
Cosmos 491 was launched on **May 25, 1972**, at **06:35:00 UTC** from **Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 31**. The launch vehicle used was the **Voskhod**, a Soviet rocket known for its role in early space missions.

### Classification and Identification
The satellite is classified under the **Zenit-4M** series, which was part of the broader Soviet satellite program. It is also referred to by its **COSPAR ID (1972-038A)** and **SCN (06035)**.

### Mission and Significance
While specific details about Cosmos 491's mission or payload are not provided, its inclusion in the Kosmos series suggests it served military, scientific, or communications purposes. The launch from Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 31 underscores the Soviet Union's continued investment in space infrastructure and satellite deployment during the Cold War era.

### Related Entities
Cosmos 491 is linked to the **Voskhod** rocket and spacecraft series, which played a pivotal role in early Soviet human spaceflight. The **Zenit-4M** class further extends the legacy of Soviet space technology, contributing to the broader field of satellite operations.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report