# Cosmos 653
**Wikidata**: [Q12907764](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q12907764)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/cosmos-653

## Summary
Cosmos 653 was a Soviet spy satellite launched on May 15, 1974, from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome. It was part of the Zenit 2M series and was launched aboard a Voskhod rocket. The satellite's primary purpose was reconnaissance, contributing to the Soviet Union's intelligence-gathering efforts.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: May 15, 1974
- **Launch Vehicle**: Voskhod
- **Launch Site**: Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 43/4
- **Class**: Zenit 2M
- **COSPAR ID**: 1974-031A
- **Country of Origin**: Soviet Union
- **Type**: Spy satellite
- **Wikipedia Availability**: Available in Macedonian, Serbo-Croatian, and Serbian

## FAQs
### Q: What was Cosmos 653's mission?
A: Cosmos 653 was a Soviet spy satellite designed for reconnaissance, part of the Zenit 2M series. It was launched to support the Soviet Union's intelligence operations.

### Q: Which rocket launched Cosmos 653?
A: Cosmos 653 was launched aboard a Voskhod rocket from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome on May 15, 1974.

### Q: What was the significance of the Zenit 2M class?
A: The Zenit 2M class was a series of Soviet spy satellites used for reconnaissance. Cosmos 653 was one of these satellites, contributing to the Soviet Union's intelligence capabilities.

## Why It Matters
Cosmos 653 played a role in the Soviet Union's Cold War-era reconnaissance efforts. As part of the Zenit 2M series, it was designed to gather intelligence data, supporting the Soviet military and intelligence agencies. The satellite's launch and operation were part of a broader program to maintain the Soviet Union's technological and strategic advantages during the Cold War. While specific details of its mission are classified, its existence underscores the Soviet Union's commitment to space-based intelligence gathering.

## Notable For
- **Zenit 2M Classification**: One of the Zenit 2M series, a dedicated spy satellite program.
- **Voskhod Launch**: Launched aboard the Voskhod rocket, a Soviet launch vehicle.
- **Cold War Intelligence**: Contributed to the Soviet Union's reconnaissance capabilities during the Cold War.
- **Plesetsk Launch Site**: Launched from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome, a key Soviet spaceport.

## Body
### Overview
Cosmos 653 was a Soviet spy satellite launched on May 15, 1974, as part of the Zenit 2M series. It was launched aboard a Voskhod rocket from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 43/4. The satellite's primary function was reconnaissance, supporting the Soviet Union's intelligence operations.

### Classification and Series
Cosmos 653 was classified under the Zenit 2M series, which was a dedicated Soviet spy satellite program. The Zenit 2M class was known for its reconnaissance capabilities, contributing to the Soviet Union's intelligence gathering efforts.

### Launch Details
The satellite was launched on May 15, 1974, at 12:30:00 UTC from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 43/4. The Voskhod rocket was used for the launch, a Soviet launch vehicle known for its reliability and use in various space missions.

### COSPAR ID and Identification
Cosmos 653 is identified by the COSPAR ID 1974-031A, which is a standard identifier for space objects. The satellite is also referenced in the Wolfram Language as Entity["Satellite", "07293"].

### Wikipedia Availability
The satellite has Wikipedia entries in Macedonian, Serbo-Croatian, and Serbian, indicating its significance in those regions' space history contexts.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report