# Cosmos 517
**Wikidata**: [Q12907730](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q12907730)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/cosmos-517

## Summary
Cosmos 517 is a Soviet spy satellite of the Zenit 2M class launched in 1972. It was deployed from Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 31 using a Voskhod rocket as part of the Soviet space program's reconnaissance activities.

## Key Facts
- Cosmos 517 is a Soviet spy satellite classified as part of the Zenit 2M class
- It was launched on August 30, 1972, at exactly 08:19:59
- The satellite was deployed from Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 31
- The launch vehicle used was a Voskhod rocket
- It has the COSPAR ID 1972-067A
- Its Spacecraft Catalog Number (SCN) is 06168
- The satellite is documented in Wikipedia languages: Macedonian (mk), Serbo-Croatian (sh), Serbian (sr)
- It is referenced in Wolfram as Entity["Satellite", "06168"]

## FAQs
### Q: What is the primary function of Cosmos 517?
A: Cosmos 517 is a Soviet spy satellite designed for reconnaissance and surveillance purposes. As part of the Zenit 2M class, it was deployed to gather intelligence for the Soviet military.

### Q: Where and when was Cosmos 517 launched?
A: Cosmos 517 was launched on August 30, 1972, at 08:19:59 from Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 31. The satellite was deployed using a Voskhod launch vehicle as part of the Soviet space program.

### Q: What identifiers are associated with Cosmos 517?
A: Cosmos 517 has the COSPAR ID 1972-067A and the Spacecraft Catalog Number (SCN) 06168. These identifiers are used to track and reference the satellite in various space databases.

## Why It Matters
Cosmos 517 represents the Soviet Union's reconnaissance capabilities during the Cold War, a period when intelligence gathering through space-based assets was crucial for national security. As part of the Zenit 2M class, it contributed to the Soviet military's ability to monitor potential adversaries without direct confrontation, providing valuable strategic intelligence. The satellite's launch on a Voskhod rocket from Baikonur Cosmodrome demonstrates the operational capacity of the Soviet space program during this era. Its continued documentation in multiple languages on Wikipedia highlights its historical significance and the enduring interest in Cold War-era space technology and intelligence activities.

## Notable For
- Part of the Zenit 2M class of Soviet reconnaissance satellites, which played a critical role in Cold War intelligence gathering
- Launched during a period of heightened geopolitical tension between the Soviet Union and Western powers
- One of the Soviet spy satellites with the official COSPAR ID 1972-067A
- Subject of documentation in multiple Wikipedia languages, indicating its historical significance

## Body
### Launch Details
- Cosmos 517 was launched on August 30, 1972
- Launch occurred at 08:19:59 from Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 31
- The satellite was deployed using a Voskhod launch vehicle
- The launch was part of the Soviet space program's reconnaissance activities

### Technical Classification
- Classified as a Zenit 2M class satellite
- Zenit 2M satellites were designed for reconnaissance and surveillance purposes
- The satellite has the Spacecraft Catalog Number (SCN) 06168
- Its COSPAR ID is 1972-067A

### Documentation and References
- Documented in Wikipedia languages: Macedonian (mk), Serbo-Croatian (sh), Serbian (sr)
- Has 3 site links across Wikipedia
- Included in Wolfram as Entity["Satellite", "06168"]
- Cited in academic and space databases with references to Q6272367

### Historical Context
- Launched during the Cold War era
- Part of the broader Soviet space reconnaissance program
- Contributed to Soviet intelligence capabilities during a period of geopolitical tension between superpowers

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report