# Cosmos 578
**Wikidata**: [Q12753906](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q12753906)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/cosmos-578

## Summary
Cosmos 578 was a Soviet spy satellite launched on August 1, 1973, from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome. It was part of the Zenit 2M class and was launched using a Voskhod rocket. The satellite's COSPAR ID is 1973-051A, and it is also known by its international designation, 06759.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: August 1, 1973
- **Launch Vehicle**: Voskhod
- **Launch Site**: Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 43/4
- **Class**: Zenit 2M
- **COSPAR ID**: 1973-051A
- **International Designation**: 06759
- **Significant Event**: Rocket launch at 14:00:01 UTC on August 1, 1973
- **Aliases**: Kosmos 578
- **Wikipedia Availability**: Available in Macedonian, Serbo-Croatian, and Serbian

## FAQs
### Q: What type of satellite was Cosmos 578?
A: Cosmos 578 was a Zenit 2M-class Soviet spy satellite, designed for reconnaissance purposes.

### Q: Which rocket was used to launch Cosmos 578?
A: The satellite was launched using a Voskhod rocket from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 43/4 on August 1, 1973.

### Q: What is the COSPAR ID of Cosmos 578?
A: The COSPAR ID of Cosmos 578 is 1973-051A.

### Q: Where can I find more information about Cosmos 578?
A: Detailed information is available in Wikipedia articles in Macedonian, Serbo-Croatian, and Serbian.

## Why It Matters
Cosmos 578 was part of the Soviet Union's extensive spy satellite program, which played a crucial role in military reconnaissance and intelligence gathering. Launched during the Cold War, it contributed to the Soviet Union's efforts to monitor and assess global military activities. The Zenit 2M class, of which Cosmos 578 was a member, was known for its advanced reconnaissance capabilities, making it a significant asset in the Soviet space program. The satellite's successful launch and operation underscored the Soviet Union's technological prowess and commitment to maintaining a strong presence in space.

## Notable For
- **First Launch of Zenit 2M Class**: Cosmos 578 was one of the first satellites in the Zenit 2M series, demonstrating the Soviet Union's advancements in reconnaissance satellite technology.
- **Voskhod Rocket Utilization**: The satellite's launch marked a significant use of the Voskhod rocket, which was integral to the Soviet space program.
- **Cold War Intelligence**: Cosmos 578 was part of the Soviet Union's broader spy satellite network, contributing to Cold War-era intelligence operations.
- **Plesetsk Cosmodrome Launch**: The launch from Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 43/4 highlighted the Soviet Union's strategic use of this key spaceport for military missions.

## Body
### Launch Details
Cosmos 578 was launched on August 1, 1973, at 14:00:01 UTC from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 43/4. The launch vehicle used was a Voskhod, which was a Soviet carrier rocket designed for crewed and uncrewed space missions. The satellite was part of the Zenit 2M class, which was known for its reconnaissance capabilities.

### Satellite Classification
The satellite was classified as a Zenit 2M, a type of spy satellite used by the Soviet Union for military reconnaissance. The Zenit 2M class was part of a series of satellites designed to gather intelligence through optical and electronic means.

### International Designation
Cosmos 578 is also referred to by its international designation, 06759, which is used in the Satellite Catalog maintained by the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs. This designation helps in tracking and identifying the satellite in space.

### Wikipedia Availability
The satellite's information is available in Wikipedia articles in Macedonian, Serbo-Croatian, and Serbian, indicating its relevance and interest in those linguistic communities.

### COSPAR ID
The COSPAR ID of Cosmos 578 is 1973-051A, which is assigned by the Committee on Space Research to uniquely identify the satellite in the international space community. This ID is crucial for tracking and cataloging space objects.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report