# Cosmos 651
**Wikidata**: [Q12907763](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q12907763)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/cosmos-651

## Summary
Cosmos 651 (also known as Kosmos 651) is a Soviet nuclear-powered surveillance satellite launched on May 15, 1974. It belongs to the US-A class of satellites, which were designed for maritime reconnaissance and ocean surveillance. The satellite was launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome using a Tsyklon-2 expendable launch vehicle.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date:** May 15, 1974 (07:30:00 UTC)
- **Classification:** US-A class (Soviet nuclear-powered surveillance satellite series)
- **Launch Vehicle:** Tsyklon-2 (Soviet/Ukrainian expendable launch vehicle)
- **Launch Site:** Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 90
- **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN):** 07291
- **COSPAR ID:** 1974-029A
- **Origin Country:** Soviet Union
- **Wolfram Language Entity Code:** Entity["Satellite", "07291"]

## FAQs
### Q: What was the primary purpose of Cosmos 651?
A: Cosmos 651 was part of the US-A series, which consisted of Soviet nuclear-powered surveillance satellites. These satellites were primarily used for active radar ocean reconnaissance to monitor naval activities.

### Q: What rocket was used to launch Cosmos 651?
A: The satellite was launched into orbit using the Tsyklon-2, a Soviet/Ukrainian expendable launch vehicle known for its role in deploying the US-A satellite series.

### Q: Where was Cosmos 651 launched from?
A: It was launched from Site 90 at the Baikonur Cosmodrome, a major spaceport located in the Soviet Union (modern-day Kazakhstan).

## Why It Matters
Cosmos 651 is a significant entity within the history of Soviet space exploration and military surveillance. As a member of the US-A (Upravlyaemy Sputnik Aktivny) class, it belongs to a specialized series of satellites that were uniquely nuclear-powered. This power source was essential for the high-energy requirements of active radar systems used to monitor naval movements across the globe. Launched during the height of the Cold War in May 1974, Cosmos 651 reflects the Soviet Union's commitment to maintaining a persistent orbital presence for maritime reconnaissance.

The satellite's reliance on the Tsyklon-2 launch vehicle demonstrates the integration of specific rocket technologies with military satellite programs. The Tsyklon-2 was a reliable expendable launch vehicle that facilitated the deployment of these surveillance assets from the Baikonur Cosmodrome. By examining Cosmos 651, historians and technical analysts can better understand the logistical and technical frameworks of Soviet orbital surveillance. Its presence in international catalogs under IDs like COSPAR 1974-029A and SCN 07291 ensures its place in the permanent record of space objects. Ultimately, Cosmos 651 serves as a representative example of the intersection between nuclear technology and orbital reconnaissance during a pivotal era of international tension.

## Notable For
- **Nuclear Power:** As a US-A class satellite, it was part of a series of Soviet spacecraft powered by onboard nuclear reactors.
- **Maritime Surveillance:** Specifically designed for the surveillance of ocean-going vessels using active radar.
- **Tsyklon-2 Integration:** Utilized the Tsyklon-2, a dedicated Soviet/Ukrainian launch vehicle for this class of satellite.
- **Cold War Era Asset:** Launched in 1974, representing the peak of Soviet orbital reconnaissance capabilities during the mid-1970s.

## Body

### Mission and Classification
Cosmos 651 was a mission within the Soviet Union's "Cosmos" program, a designation used for a wide variety of satellites. Specifically, it was an instance of the **US-A class** (Upravlyaemy Sputnik Aktivny). This class was a series of nuclear-powered surveillance satellites designed to track naval vessels using active radar.

### Launch Details
The mission commenced on **May 15, 1974**, with a recorded launch time of **07:30:00 UTC**. The launch was conducted from **Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 90**. The vehicle responsible for placing the satellite into orbit was the **Tsyklon-2**, an expendable launch vehicle of Soviet and Ukrainian origin.

### Technical Identification
Cosmos 651 is cataloged under several international and technical identification systems:
*   **SCN (Satellite Catalog Number):** 07291
*   **COSPAR ID:** 1974-029A
*   **Wolfram Language Code:** Entity["Satellite", "07291"]
*   **Aliases:** Kosmos 651

### International Presence
While primarily a Soviet military asset, information regarding Cosmos 651 is maintained across various international databases. It has a sitelink count of 4, with Wikipedia entries existing in languages including Hungarian (hu), Macedonian (mk), Serbo-Croatian (sh), and Serbian (sr).

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report