# Cosmos 780
**Wikidata**: [Q13566913](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q13566913)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/cosmos-780

## Summary
Cosmos 780 was a Soviet spy satellite launched on November 21, 1975, from the Baikonur Cosmodrome. It was part of the Zenit 2M class of reconnaissance satellites and was launched aboard a Voskhod rocket. The satellite's COSPAR ID is 1975-108A, and it is also known by its SCN (Satellite Catalog Number) of 08442.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: November 21, 1975
- **Launch Vehicle**: Voskhod
- **Launch Site**: Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 31
- **Class**: Zenit 2M (Soviet spy satellite)
- **COSPAR ID**: 1975-108A
- **SCN (Satellite Catalog Number)**: 08442
- **Aliases**: Kosmos 780
- **Significant Event**: Rocket launch at 09:20:00 UTC on November 21, 1975, from Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 31
- **Wikipedia Availability**: Available in Macedonian (mk), Serbo-Croatian (sh), and Serbian (sr)

## FAQs
### Q: What type of satellite was Cosmos 780?
A: Cosmos 780 was a Zenit 2M-class Soviet spy satellite, part of the country's reconnaissance satellite program.

### Q: When and where was Cosmos 780 launched?
A: It was launched on November 21, 1975, from Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 31 in the Soviet Union.

### Q: What launch vehicle was used for Cosmos 780?
A: The satellite was launched aboard a Voskhod rocket, a Soviet launch vehicle.

### Q: What is the COSPAR ID of Cosmos 780?
A: Its COSPAR ID is 1975-108A, assigned by the Committee on Space Research.

### Q: Is Cosmos 780 still in operation?
A: The source material does not provide information on the satellite's current operational status.

## Why It Matters
Cosmos 780 was part of the Soviet Union's extensive spy satellite program, which played a crucial role in military reconnaissance and intelligence gathering during the Cold War. The Zenit 2M class of satellites was designed to provide high-resolution imagery for strategic and tactical purposes. The launch of Cosmos 780, along with other satellites in the program, contributed to the Soviet Union's ability to monitor global activities, including military deployments and strategic infrastructure. While the satellite's specific mission details are not provided in the source material, its inclusion in the Kosmos series reflects the Soviet Union's commitment to maintaining a robust space-based reconnaissance capability. The program's success underscores the importance of space technology in modern military and intelligence operations.

## Notable For
- **Zenit 2M Classification**: One of the earliest Zenit 2M-class spy satellites, contributing to the Soviet Union's reconnaissance efforts.
- **Voskhod Launch**: Launched aboard the Voskhod rocket, a Soviet launch vehicle with a history of crewed and uncrewed missions.
- **Baikonur Launch Site**: Deployed from Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 31, a key launch facility for Soviet space missions.
- **COSPAR and SCN Identification**: Assigned the COSPAR ID 1975-108A and SCN 08442, standard identifiers for satellites in the international space community.
- **Cold War Reconnaissance**: Part of the broader Soviet spy satellite program, supporting military and intelligence objectives during the Cold War era.

## Body
### Classification and Type
Cosmos 780 is classified as a Zenit 2M satellite, a type of reconnaissance satellite used by the Soviet Union for military and intelligence purposes. The Zenit 2M class was part of a larger program that included other satellites like Kosmos 780, which were designed to capture high-resolution imagery for strategic and tactical analysis.

### Launch Details
The satellite was launched on **November 21, 1975**, at **09:20:00 UTC** from **Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 31**. The launch vehicle used was the **Voskhod**, a Soviet rocket known for its role in both crewed and uncrewed missions. The Voskhod rocket was part of the Soviet space program's efforts to develop reliable launch capabilities for satellites and spacecraft.

### Identification and Tracking
Cosmos 780 is identified by its **COSPAR ID (1975-108A)** and **SCN (08442)**, which are standard identifiers used in the international space community. These identifiers help track and catalog satellites for research and operational purposes.

### Historical Context
The launch of Cosmos 780 occurred during the Cold War, a period marked by intense geopolitical competition between the Soviet Union and the United States. The Soviet Union's spy satellite program was a key component of its military strategy, providing intelligence that supported strategic decision-making and operational planning.

### Wikipedia Availability
The satellite's information is available in **Macedonian (mk)**, **Serbo-Croatian (sh)**, and **Serbian (sr)**, indicating its relevance to a broader international audience. The availability of this information in multiple languages reflects the global interest in space activities and the role of satellites in modern technology.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report