# Cosmos 561
**Wikidata**: [Q781193](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q781193)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/cosmos-561

## Summary
Cosmos 561 was a Soviet artificial satellite launched on May 25, 1973. It was a Zenit 2M satellite, a type of Soviet spy satellite, launched using a Voskhod rocket from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date:** May 25, 1973
- **Launch Vehicle:** Voskhod
- **Launch Site:** Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 43/4
- **Classification:** Zenit 2M (Soviet spy satellite class)
- **Instance Of:** Artificial satellite
- **COSPAR ID:** 1973-033A
- **Serial Number (SCN):** 06657
- **Wikipedia Languages:** Hungarian (hu), Macedonian (mk), Serbo-Croatian (sh), Serbian (sr)
- **Significant Event:** Rocket launch on May 25, 1973, at 13:30:01 UTC from Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 43/4

## FAQs
### Q: What was the purpose of Cosmos 561?
A: Cosmos 561 was a Zenit 2M satellite, a class of Soviet spy satellites designed for reconnaissance missions. Its specific classified objectives are not publicly detailed.

### Q: What rocket launched Cosmos 561?
A: Cosmos 561 was launched using a Voskhod rocket, a Soviet launch vehicle.

### Q: Where was Cosmos 561 launched from?
A: Cosmos 561 was launched from Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 43/4 in the Soviet Union.

### Q: What is the COSPAR designation for Cosmos 561?
A: The COSPAR (Committee on Space Research) designation for Cosmos 561 is 1973-033A.

## Why It Matters
Cosmos 561 represents a significant component of the Soviet Union's space reconnaissance program during the Cold War. As a Zenit 2M satellite, it contributed to the Soviet capability for Earth observation and intelligence gathering, a critical aspect of national security and geopolitical strategy during that era. Its launch, utilizing the Voskhod vehicle from Plesetsk, underscores the operational scale and technical infrastructure of the Soviet space program. Understanding such missions provides insight into the historical development of satellite reconnaissance technology and the broader context of space exploration driven by national interests.

## Notable For
- **Zenit 2M Class:** Classified as a Zenit 2M satellite, a specific type of Soviet optical reconnaissance satellite.
- **Voskhod Launch:** Utilized the Voskhod launch vehicle, a key Soviet rocket system.
- **Plesetsk Launch Site:** Launched from Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 43/4, a major Soviet launch complex.
- **Specific Launch Parameters:** Launched on May 25, 1973, at precisely 13:30:01 UTC.

## Body
### Overview
Cosmos 561 is an artificial satellite launched by the Soviet Union. It belongs to the Zenit 2M class, which is a type of Soviet spy satellite. Its serial number is 06657.

### Launch Details
- **Launch Date:** May 25, 1973
- **Launch Time:** 13:30:01 UTC
- **Launch Site:** Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 43/4
- **Launch Vehicle:** Voskhod
- **Significant Event:** Rocket launch

### Technical Specifications
- **Instance Of:** Zenit 2M, Artificial satellite
- **COSPAR ID:** 1973-033A
- **Serial Number (SCN):** 06657
- **Wikipedia Languages:** Hungarian (hu), Macedonian (mk), Serbo-Croatian (sh), Serbian (sr)
- **Wolfram Language Entity Code:** Entity["Satellite", "06657"]

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report