# Cosmos 543
**Wikidata**: [Q12907739](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q12907739)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/cosmos-543

## Summary
Cosmos 543 was a Soviet satellite launched on January 11, 1973, from the Baikonur Cosmodrome using a Voskhod rocket. It was part of the Zenit-4M class of satellites and carried the COSPAR ID 1973-002A. The mission marked a significant event in Soviet space exploration, though specific details about its payload or objectives remain limited.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: January 11, 1973
- **Launch Vehicle**: Voskhod (Soviet rocket)
- **Launch Site**: Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 31
- **Class**: Zenit-4M
- **COSPAR ID**: 1973-002A
- **SCN (NORAD Catalog Number)**: 06339
- **Significant Event**: Rocket launch at 10:00:00 UTC on January 11, 1973
- **Related Entities**: Voskhod (spacecraft series), Zenit-4M (satellite class)

## FAQs
### Q: What was Cosmos 543?
A: Cosmos 543 was a Soviet satellite launched on January 11, 1973, as part of the Zenit-4M class. It was launched from Baikonur Cosmodrome using a Voskhod rocket and assigned the COSPAR ID 1973-002A.

### Q: When and where was Cosmos 543 launched?
A: Cosmos 543 was launched on January 11, 1973, from Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 31, at 10:00:00 UTC.

### Q: What type of satellite was Cosmos 543?
A: Cosmos 543 was classified as a Zenit-4M satellite, part of a series of Soviet space missions.

### Q: What was the launch vehicle for Cosmos 543?
A: The launch vehicle for Cosmos 543 was the Voskhod rocket, a Soviet space launch system.

### Q: What is the COSPAR ID for Cosmos 543?
A: The COSPAR ID for Cosmos 543 is 1973-002A.

## Why It Matters
Cosmos 543 represents a milestone in Soviet space exploration, contributing to the broader Zenit-4M satellite program. While specific details about its mission objectives remain classified, its launch highlights the Soviet Union's ongoing efforts in space research and satellite deployment during the Cold War era. The mission aligns with broader Soviet space initiatives, including the Voskhod program, which played a crucial role in advancing Soviet space capabilities. As part of the Zenit-4M class, Cosmos 543 reflects the Soviet Union's commitment to maintaining a robust presence in space, despite the challenges of the era. Its significance lies in its role as a functional satellite within a larger program, contributing to broader scientific and strategic objectives.

## Notable For
- **First Zenit-4M Launch**: One of the earliest missions in the Zenit-4M satellite series.
- **Voskhod Rocket Utilization**: Demonstrated the reliability of the Voskhod launch vehicle in Soviet space operations.
- **Cold War Space Race Contribution**: Part of the Soviet Union's efforts to maintain technological superiority during the Cold War.
- **Baikonur Cosmodrome Deployment**: Highlighted the strategic importance of Baikonur as a key launch site for Soviet space missions.

## Body
### Mission Overview
Cosmos 543 was launched on January 11, 1973, at 10:00:00 UTC from Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 31. The mission utilized the Voskhod rocket, a Soviet launch vehicle, and was part of the Zenit-4M satellite class. The satellite was assigned the COSPAR ID 1973-002A and the SCN (NORAD Catalog Number) 06339.

### Classification and Series
Cosmos 543 is classified as a Zenit-4M satellite, which was part of a series of Soviet spacecraft designed for various scientific and operational purposes. The Zenit-4M class was a significant segment of the Soviet space program, contributing to advancements in satellite technology and space exploration.

### Launch Details
The launch of Cosmos 543 took place at Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 31, a key facility for Soviet space missions. The Voskhod rocket, known for its reliability and effectiveness, was used to deploy the satellite into orbit. The mission marked a notable event in Soviet space history, reflecting the country's ongoing efforts to expand its presence in space.

### Related Programs
Cosmos 543 is closely associated with the Voskhod program, a series of Soviet crewed spacecraft that played a crucial role in advancing Soviet space capabilities. The Voskhod missions were part of the broader Soviet space initiative, which included both crewed and uncrewed missions. The Zenit-4M class, of which Cosmos 543 was a part, was a key component of this initiative, contributing to the Soviet Union's technological and strategic objectives in space.

### Historical Context
The launch of Cosmos 543 occurred during the Cold War, a period marked by intense competition between the Soviet Union and the United States in space exploration. The mission was part of the Soviet Union's efforts to maintain its technological edge and assert its dominance in space. The Voskhod rocket and the Zenit-4M satellite class were integral to these efforts, reflecting the Soviet Union's commitment to advancing its space program despite the challenges of the era.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report