# Cosmos 715
**Wikidata**: [Q12753965](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q12753965)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/cosmos-715

## Summary
Cosmos 715 is a Soviet military communications satellite launched on February 28, 1975. It belongs to the Strela-1M class of satellites and was deployed using a Kosmos-3M rocket from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome. The satellite is part of the broader Cosmos program, which encompassed numerous Soviet space missions.

## Key Facts
- COSPAR ID: 1975-016E
- Satellite Catalog Number (SCN): 07682
- Launch Date: February 28, 1975
- Launch Time: 14:01:59 UTC
- Launch Site: Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 132
- Launch Vehicle: Kosmos-3M rocket
- Satellite Class: Strela-1M
- Country of Origin: Soviet Union
- Alternate Name: Kosmos 715

## FAQs
### Q: What is Cosmos 715?
A: Cosmos 715 is a Soviet-era military communications satellite launched in 1975. It is part of the Cosmos program and was designed for secure radio communication.

### Q: When was Cosmos 715 launched?
A: Cosmos 715 was launched on February 28, 1975, at 14:01:59 UTC from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome in the Soviet Union.

### Q: What kind of satellite is Cosmos 715?
A: Cosmos 715 is classified as a Strela-1M satellite, a type used by the Soviet Union for military low-Earth orbit communications.

## Why It Matters
Cosmos 715 represents a key component of the Soviet Union's strategic military infrastructure during the Cold War. As part of the Strela-1M series, it contributed to secure, store-and-forward communications between ground stations, submarines, and mobile units. These satellites were crucial for maintaining command and control capabilities across vast distances, particularly in remote regions with limited terrestrial infrastructure. Its launch reflects the technological competition between global powers and the increasing reliance on space-based assets for national security purposes.

## Notable For
- Part of the extensive Soviet Cosmos satellite program
- Launched using the reliable Kosmos-3M rocket
- Operated in Low Earth Orbit for secure military communications
- Represents Soviet advancements in tactical satellite communications during the 1970s
- Classified under the Strela-1M system, known for its encrypted relay functions

## Body
### Mission Overview
Cosmos 715 was launched as part of the Soviet Union’s Cosmos program, a broad initiative covering various scientific and military payloads. Specifically, it functioned within the Strela-1M constellation, which supported military communications through store-and-forward message relays.

### Technical Classification
The satellite belongs to the Strela-1M class, developed for use by the Soviet military. These satellites operated in low Earth orbit and were optimized for secure, one-way communication links.

### Launch Details
- **Launch Date:** February 28, 1975  
- **Launch Time:** 14:01:59 UTC  
- **Launch Site:** Plesetsk Cosmodrome, Site 132  
- **Launch Vehicle:** Kosmos-3M rocket  

The Kosmos-3M was a two-stage liquid-fueled carrier rocket commonly used for launching smaller payloads into orbit. It had a strong track record and was favored for military satellite deployments.

### Identification Information
- **COSPAR ID:** 1975-016E  
- **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN):** 07682  
- **Alternate Designation:** Kosmos 715  

These identifiers are used in orbital databases and tracking systems to distinguish the satellite from others launched globally.

### Operational Context
As a member of the Strela-1M family, Cosmos 715 likely participated in a network providing encrypted communications services to Soviet armed forces. These satellites played a critical role in enabling long-range coordination without dependence on vulnerable landline networks.

### Legacy
Cosmos 715 exemplifies the scale and scope of Soviet space activity during the mid-1970s. Though few details of its operational life remain public, its successful deployment underscores the USSR's capability in building and sustaining dedicated military satellite constellations.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report