# Cosmos 548
**Wikidata**: [Q12753892](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q12753892)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/cosmos-548

## Summary
Cosmos 548 (also known as Kosmos 548) was a Soviet Zenit-4M spacecraft launched on February 8, 1973, from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome using a Voskhod rocket.

## Key Facts
- Cosmos 548 was a Zenit-4M spacecraft
- It was launched on February 8, 1973
- The launch occurred from Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 43/4
- The launch vehicle was a Voskhod rocket
- Its COSPAR ID is 1973-008A
- It is classified under the Zenit-4M class
- The launch occurred at 13:15:00 on the specified date

## FAQs
### Q: What was Cosmos 548?
A: Cosmos 548 was a Soviet Zenit-4M spacecraft launched in 1973.

### Q: When was Cosmos 548 launched?
A: It was launched on February 8, 1973.

### Q: What was the launch vehicle for Cosmos 548?
A: The launch vehicle was a Voskhod rocket.

### Q: Where was Cosmos 548 launched from?
A: It was launched from Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 43/4.

## Why It Matters
Cosmos 548 represents a typical Soviet reconnaissance satellite from the 1970s, reflecting the Cold War era's space competition between the United States and the Soviet Union. As part of the Zenit-4M program, it contributed to the Soviet Union's intelligence-gathering capabilities during this period. The satellite's launch demonstrates the Soviet Union's continued investment in space-based reconnaissance technology, which was crucial for military and strategic intelligence gathering during the Cold War. The Zenit-4M series represented an evolution from earlier Zenit satellites, incorporating improved imaging capabilities and operational reliability.

## Notable For
- Was a Zenit-4M reconnaissance satellite
- Part of the Soviet Union's space program during the Cold War
- Launched from Plesetsk Cosmodrome, a major Soviet space launch site
- Operated using a Voskhod rocket as the launch vehicle
- Represented the Soviet Union's continued investment in space-based intelligence gathering

## Body
### Technical Classification
Cosmos 548 was classified as a Zenit-4M spacecraft, which was part of the Soviet Union's reconnaissance satellite program. The Zenit-4M represented an upgraded version of the earlier Zenit series, designed to provide improved imaging capabilities and operational reliability.

### Launch Details
The satellite was launched on February 8, 1973, from Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 43/4. The launch occurred at 13:15:00 local time. The Voskhod rocket served as the launch vehicle, which was a common Russian launch vehicle used for various satellite and spacecraft missions during this period.

### Operational Context
As a Soviet satellite, Cosmos 548 was part of the broader Soviet space program that included both scientific and military applications. The Zenit series was specifically designed for reconnaissance purposes, providing the Soviet Union with intelligence-gathering capabilities that were crucial during the Cold War era.

### COSPAR and Identifiers
The satellite was assigned the COSPAR ID 1973-008A, which is a standardized designation system used by the international space community to identify satellites and space objects. This identifier helps in tracking and cataloging space objects throughout their operational lifetime.

### Program Evolution
The Zenit-4M represented an evolution from earlier Zenit satellites, incorporating technological advancements that improved the satellite's performance and capabilities. This series was part of the Soviet Union's ongoing effort to maintain and enhance its space-based reconnaissance capabilities against the United States and other Western nations.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report