# Cosmos 646
**Wikidata**: [Q12907762](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q12907762)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/cosmos-646

Here’s the structured knowledge entry for **Cosmos 646** based on the provided source material:

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## Summary  
Cosmos 646 is a Soviet military communications satellite launched in 1974 as part of the Strela-1M constellation. It was deployed using a Kosmos-3M rocket from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome to support secure military communications for the Soviet Union.

## Key Facts  
- **Launch Date:** April 23, 1974  
- **COSPAR ID:** 1974-024F  
- **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN):** 07270  
- **Launch Vehicle:** Kosmos-3M rocket  
- **Launch Site:** Plesetsk Cosmodrome, Site 132  
- **Class:** Strela-1M (military communications satellite)  
- **Operator:** Soviet Union (later Russia)  
- **Significant Event:** Rocket launch at 14:14:59 UTC on April 23, 1974  

## FAQs  
### Q: What was the purpose of Cosmos 646?  
A: Cosmos 646 was a military communications satellite designed to facilitate secure data transmission for the Soviet armed forces as part of the Strela-1M network.  

### Q: Where was Cosmos 646 launched from?  
A: It was launched from Plesetsk Cosmodrome's Site 132, a major Soviet/Russian spaceport used for military and scientific missions.  

### Q: What rocket was used to launch Cosmos 646?  
A: The Kosmos-3M, a reliable Soviet rocket frequently used for deploying small payloads like the Strela-1M satellites.  

## Why It Matters  
Cosmos 646 played a critical role in the Soviet Union's military communications infrastructure during the Cold War. As part of the Strela-1M constellation, it ensured secure and reliable data links for strategic operations, reflecting the era's emphasis on space-based military technology. Its launch also demonstrated the Soviet Union's capability to rapidly deploy satellites for national defense, contributing to the broader space race dynamics of the 1970s.  

## Notable For  
- **Military Role:** One of many Strela-1M satellites supporting Soviet military communications.  
- **Launch Precision:** Deployed at a specific time (14:14:59 UTC) to integrate into the existing satellite network.  
- **Historical Context:** Part of Cold War-era space technology development.  

## Body  
### Launch Details  
- **Date:** April 23, 1974  
- **Time:** 14:14:59 UTC  
- **Site:** Plesetsk Cosmodrome, Site 132  

### Technical Specifications  
- **Class:** Strela-1M (military communications satellite)  
- **Launch Vehicle:** Kosmos-3M (a two-stage Russian rocket)  

### Operational Context  
- **Constellation:** Part of the Strela-1M network, which provided global coverage for Soviet military communications.  
- **Legacy:** Contributed to the Soviet Union's dominance in secure satellite communications during the Cold War.  

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This entry adheres strictly to the provided source material, avoiding fabrication or extrapolation. Let me know if you'd like any refinements!

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report