# Cosmos 563
**Wikidata**: [Q12753898](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q12753898)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/cosmos-563

## Summary  
Cosmos 563 was a Soviet reconnaissance satellite launched in 1973 as part of the Zenit-4M series, designed for photographic surveillance. It was deployed using a Voskhod rocket from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome, contributing to the Soviet Union's Cold War-era intelligence-gathering efforts.  

## Key Facts  
- **Launch Date**: June 6, 1973, at 11:30:00 UTC.  
- **COSPAR ID**: 1973-036A.  
- **Satellite Class**: Zenit-4M, a Soviet military reconnaissance satellite.  
- **Launch Vehicle**: Voskhod, a Soviet rocket derived from the R-7 family.  
- **Launch Site**: Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 43/4.  
- **SCN Number**: 06667.  
- **Mission Duration**: Typical Zenit-4M missions lasted approximately 14 days.  

## FAQs  
### Q: What was the purpose of Cosmos 563?  
A: Cosmos 563 was a military reconnaissance satellite designed to conduct photographic surveillance for the Soviet Union, supporting Cold War intelligence operations.  

### Q: How was Cosmos 563 launched?  
A: It was launched aboard a Voskhod rocket from Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 43/4 on June 6, 1973, at 11:30:00 UTC.  

### Q: What class of satellite was Cosmos 563?  
A: It belonged to the Zenit-4M class, a series of Soviet satellites used for high-resolution Earth observation and reconnaissance.  

## Why It Matters  
Cosmos 563 represents a critical component of the Soviet Union’s space-based reconnaissance program during the Cold War. As part of the Zenit-4M series, it exemplified advancements in satellite technology tailored for military intelligence, enabling the Soviet Union to monitor strategic sites and activities globally. Its launch on a Voskhod rocket highlighted the repurposing of crewed spacecraft launch vehicles for uncrewed military missions, underscoring the strategic flexibility of Soviet space infrastructure. The satellite’s role in gathering photographic intelligence contributed to geopolitical decision-making, reflecting the broader significance of space assets in 20th-century superpower rivalry.  

## Notable For  
- **Reconnaissance Mission**: Part of the Zenit-4M series, optimized for high-altitude photographic surveillance.  
- **Voskhod Rocket Deployment**: Utilized a launch vehicle originally designed for crewed missions, demonstrating Soviet adaptability in space technology.  
- **Cold War Context**: Operated during a period of heightened tensions, supporting Soviet intelligence-gathering capabilities.  

## Body  
### Launch Details  
- **Date/Time**: June 6, 1973, at 11:30:00 UTC.  
- **Site**: Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 43/4, a key Soviet space launch facility.  
- **Vehicle**: Voskhod (11A57), a modified R-7 rocket used for both crewed and uncrewed missions.  

### Satellite Specifications  
- **Class**: Zenit-4M, a third-generation reconnaissance satellite with improved optics and film return systems.  
- **Function**: High-resolution imaging of terrestrial targets for military and intelligence purposes.  
- **Design Life**: Approximately 14 days, typical for Zenit satellites that returned film capsules via re-entry vehicles.  

### Mission Context  
- **COSPAR ID**: 1973-036A, assigned by the Committee on Space Research.  
- **SCN Number**: 06667, tracked by the U.S. Space Surveillance Network.  
- **Historical Significance**: Part of a prolific series of Zenit satellites (over 500 launched), which formed the backbone of Soviet satellite reconnaissance from the 1960s to 1990s.  

### Historical Significance  
- **Cold War Surveillance**: Played a role in the Soviet Union’s efforts to monitor NATO military activities and verify arms control agreements.  
- **Technological Legacy**: The Zenit program influenced later Russian reconnaissance satellite designs, such as the Kobalt and Persona series.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report