# Cosmos 693
**Wikidata**: [Q13566900](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q13566900)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/cosmos-693

## Summary
Cosmos 693 is a Soviet satellite of the Zenit-4MT class, launched on November 4, 1974, from Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 41 via a Soyuz-M rocket. It is part of the Soviet Cosmos series, serving reconnaissance purposes under the designation Kosmos 693.

## Key Facts
- **Class**: Zenit-4MT (reconnaissance satellite class)
- **Launch Date**: November 4, 1974
- **Launch Vehicle**: Soyuz-M (Soviet rocket design model)
- **Launch Site**: Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 41
- **Launch Time**: 10:40:00 UTC
- **COSPAR ID**: 1974-088A
- **Serial Number (scn)**: 07509
- **Aliases**: Kosmos 693
- **Country of Origin**: Soviet Union
- **Sitelink Count**: 4 (across Wikipedia languages: Hungarian, Macedonian, Serbo-Croatian, Serbian)

## FAQs
### Q: What was the purpose of Cosmos 693?
A: Cosmos 693 was a reconnaissance satellite belonging to the Zenit-4MT class, designed for Earth observation missions as part of the Soviet space program's efforts to gather intelligence.

### Q: When and where was Cosmos 693 launched?
A: It was launched on November 4, 1974, at 10:40:00 UTC from Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 41 using a Soyuz-M rocket.

### Q: What rocket carried Cosmos 693 into orbit?
A: A Soyuz-M rocket, a variant of the Soviet Soyuz rocket family, was the launch vehicle for Cosmos 693.

### Q: How is Cosmos 693 identified in international catalogs?
A: It is registered with the COSPAR ID 1974-088A and serial number 07509, distinguishing it within satellite tracking systems.

## Why It Matters
Cosmos 693 exemplifies the Soviet Union's Cold War-era advancements in satellite reconnaissance technology through the Zenit-4MT platform. Its launch from Plesetsk Cosmodrome—a key northern hemisphere launch site—highlighted the USSR's operational reach and technical infrastructure. As part of the Cosmos series, it contributed to broader strategic surveillance capabilities, influencing military and geopolitical dynamics during the period. The mission underscores the intersection of technological development and national security priorities in the 1970s space race, though specific mission details remain classified.

## Notable For
- **Zenit-4MT Class**: Belongs to a specialized Soviet reconnaissance satellite series for Earth imaging.
- **Soyuz-M Launch**: Utilized the Soyuz-M rocket, a successor variant of the iconic Soyuz design optimized for military payloads.
- **Plesetsk Launch Site**: Launched from Site 41 at Plesetsk Cosmodrome, a dedicated northern hemisphere launch facility.
- **Cold War Context**: Operated during a peak period of Soviet satellite development for strategic intelligence gathering.
- **Cosmos Series Integration**: One of thousands of satellites in the Cosmos program, unified under Soviet nomenclature for military and scientific missions.

## Body
### Overview
Cosmos 693 is a satellite identified by the Soviet Union as part of the Cosmos series, with the primary designation Kosmos 693. It belongs to the Zenit-4MT class, a reconnaissance satellite model designed for Earth observation missions. The satellite carries the COSPAR ID 1974-088A and serial number 07509, ensuring traceability in international space registries.

### Launch Details
- **Date and Time**: November 4, 1974, at 10:40:00 UTC.
- **Launch Facility**: Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 41, a specialized launch complex in northern Russia.
- **Vehicle**: Soyuz-M rocket, a Soviet-designed launch vehicle optimized for medium-class payloads, including military satellites.
- **Mission Profile**: Classified as a rocket launch event, consistent with Zenit-4MT operational objectives for surveillance.

### Technical and Program Context
- **Satellite Class**: Zenit-4MT, a variant of the Zenit-2 series adapted for higher-resolution reconnaissance capabilities.
- **Program Affiliation**: Part of the Soviet Union's Cosmos program (launched from 1962 onward), which included diverse military and scientific satellites.
- **Launch Infrastructure**: The use of Soyuz-M reflects Soviet emphasis on standardized, adaptable launch systems for strategic assets.
- **International Recognition**: Cataloged under the COSPAR identifier system (1974-088A), facilitating global satellite tracking coordination.
- **Documentation**: Supported by Wikipedia entries in Hungarian, Macedonian, Serbo-Croatian, and Serbian, reflecting international coverage.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report