# Cosmos 654
**Wikidata**: [Q12753941](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q12753941)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/cosmos-654

## Summary
Cosmos 654 is a Soviet nuclear-powered surveillance satellite launched on May 17, 1974, as part of the US-A series. It was launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome using a Tsyklon-2 rocket and is identified by its COSPAR ID 1974-032A.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: May 17, 1974
- **Launch Site**: Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 90
- **Launch Vehicle**: Tsyklon-2
- **Class**: US-A (Soviet nuclear-powered surveillance satellite series)
- **COSPAR ID**: 1974-032A
- **SCN (NORAD Catalog Number)**: 07297
- **Significant Event**: Rocket launch at 06:53:15 UTC on May 17, 1974
- **Wikipedia Availability**: Available in Hungarian, Macedonian, Serbo-Croatian, and Serbian

## FAQs
### Q: What was the purpose of Cosmos 654?
A: Cosmos 654 was a Soviet nuclear-powered surveillance satellite designed for reconnaissance and intelligence gathering.

### Q: Which rocket launched Cosmos 654?
A: Cosmos 654 was launched using a Tsyklon-2 rocket from Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 90.

### Q: What is the COSPAR ID of Cosmos 654?
A: The COSPAR ID of Cosmos 654 is 1974-032A.

### Q: When was Cosmos 654 launched?
A: Cosmos 654 was launched on May 17, 1974.

### Q: What is the SCN (NORAD Catalog Number) of Cosmos 654?
A: The SCN of Cosmos 654 is 07297.

## Why It Matters
Cosmos 654 is significant as part of the Soviet Union's US-A satellite series, which were nuclear-powered reconnaissance satellites. These satellites played a crucial role in the Cold War-era space race, providing the Soviet Union with advanced surveillance capabilities. The launch of Cosmos 654, along with other US-A satellites, demonstrated the Soviet Union's technological prowess in space-based intelligence gathering. The satellite's nuclear power source allowed for extended operational life and enhanced surveillance capabilities compared to conventional satellites. The US-A series contributed to the broader context of Cold War-era space competition, where both superpowers sought to develop and deploy advanced satellite technologies for military and strategic purposes.

## Notable For
- **Nuclear-Powered Surveillance**: Cosmos 654 was part of the US-A series, the first Soviet nuclear-powered reconnaissance satellites.
- **Cold War Space Race**: The satellite was launched during the height of the Cold War, reflecting the era's intense competition in space technology.
- **Tsyklon-2 Launch**: The use of the Tsyklon-2 rocket for this mission highlighted the Soviet Union's reliance on Ukrainian-built launch vehicles.
- **Baikonur Cosmodrome**: The launch site, Baikonur Cosmodrome, was a key hub for Soviet space activities.
- **COSPAR ID**: The COSPAR ID 1974-032A uniquely identifies Cosmos 654 in international space tracking systems.

## Body
### Classification and Series
Cosmos 654 is classified under the US-A series, which consisted of Soviet nuclear-powered reconnaissance satellites. These satellites were part of the Soviet Union's efforts to develop advanced space-based surveillance capabilities during the Cold War.

### Launch Details
The satellite was launched on **May 17, 1974**, at **06:53:15 UTC** from **Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 90**. The launch vehicle used was the **Tsyklon-2**, a Soviet/Ukrainian expendable rocket known for its reliability in launching military and reconnaissance satellites.

### Identification and Tracking
Cosmos 654 is identified by its **COSPAR ID (1974-032A)** and **SCN (NORAD Catalog Number 07297)**. These identifiers are used in international space tracking systems to monitor and catalog satellites.

### Wikipedia Availability
The satellite's information is available in multiple languages on Wikipedia, including **Hungarian, Macedonian, Serbo-Croatian, and Serbian**, indicating its historical and operational significance in these regions.

### Wolfram Language Entity
Cosmos 654 is referenced in Wolfram Language as **Entity["Satellite", "07297"]**, further integrating it into computational and data-driven space tracking systems.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report