# Cosmos 494
**Wikidata**: [Q12753872](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q12753872)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/cosmos-494

## Summary
Cosmos 494 was a Strela-2M communications satellite launched on June 23, 1972, from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 132 using a Kosmos-3M rocket. It is identified by the COSPAR ID 1972-043A and the satellite catalog number 06059. The mission marked a rocket launch event with precise timing and location details.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: June 23, 1972
- **Launch Vehicle**: Kosmos-3M
- **Launch Site**: Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 132
- **Launch Time**: 09:24:00 UTC
- **Satellite Type**: Strela-2M
- **COSPAR ID**: 1972-043A
- **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN)**: 06059
- **Country of Origin**: Soviet Union (later Russia)
- **Wikipedia Availability**: Available in Macedonian, Serbo-Croatian, and Serbian

## FAQs
**What type of satellite was Cosmos 494?**
Cosmos 494 was a Strela-2M communications satellite, part of a Soviet/Russian satellite model designed for communication purposes.

**Where and when was Cosmos 494 launched?**
It was launched on June 23, 1972, from Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 132, using a Kosmos-3M rocket at 09:24:00 UTC.

**What is the COSPAR ID of Cosmos 494?**
The COSPAR ID for Cosmos 494 is 1972-043A, assigned by the Committee on Space Research.

**Which rocket was used to launch Cosmos 494?**
The launch was conducted using a Kosmos-3M rocket, a Russian launch vehicle.

**Is Cosmos 494 still operational?**
The source material does not provide information on the satellite's current operational status.

## Why It Matters
Cosmos 494 represents a significant milestone in the Soviet/Russian space program, particularly in the deployment of Strela-2M satellites. These satellites were part of a broader effort to establish a reliable communications network in space, supporting military and possibly civilian applications. The launch from Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 132 highlights the strategic importance of the site in the Soviet space infrastructure. The precise timing and documentation of the launch event underscore the meticulous planning and execution characteristic of Cold War-era space missions.

## Notable For
- **First Strela-2M Deployment**: Cosmos 494 was one of the earliest Strela-2M satellites launched, contributing to the early development of this satellite class.
- **Plesetsk Cosmodrome Utilization**: The launch from Site 132 demonstrates the cosmodrome's role in Soviet space operations.
- **Kosmos-3M Rocket Use**: The mission marked a significant use of the Kosmos-3M rocket, which was integral to early Soviet satellite launches.

## Body
### Mission Overview
Cosmos 494 was launched as part of the Soviet/Russian space program, specifically to deploy a Strela-2M communications satellite. The mission took place on June 23, 1972, at 09:24:00 UTC, from Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 132. The satellite was launched aboard a Kosmos-3M rocket, a reliable launch vehicle used extensively in the Soviet space program.

### Satellite Specifications
The Strela-2M satellite, identified by the COSPAR ID 1972-043A and satellite catalog number 06059, was designed for communication purposes. It is part of a broader class of satellites known for their role in military and possibly civilian communications networks.

### Launch Details
The launch was meticulously documented, with precise details including the launch time, site, and rocket type. The Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 132 was the launch site, which has been a key location for Soviet and later Russian space missions. The Kosmos-3M rocket was chosen for its reliability and suitability for deploying satellites of the Strela-2M class.

### Historical Context
Cosmos 494 is part of a legacy of Soviet space missions that contributed to the early development of space-based communication networks. The Strela-2M satellite class was significant in the Cold War era, reflecting the Soviet Union's efforts to maintain a competitive edge in space technology. The launch from Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 132 highlights the strategic importance of the site in the Soviet space program.

### Wikipedia Availability
The mission and satellite details are available in Wikipedia articles in Macedonian, Serbo-Croatian, and Serbian, indicating its relevance to these linguistic communities. The availability of information in multiple languages reflects the broader interest and documentation of the mission.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report