# Cosmos 817
**Wikidata**: [Q13566922](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q13566922)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/cosmos-817

## Summary
Cosmos 817 was a Soviet reconnaissance satellite launched in 1976 as part of the Zenit-4MK class, designed for photographic intelligence gathering. It was deployed using a Voskhod launch vehicle from Baikonur Cosmodrome, contributing to the Soviet Union's Cold War-era surveillance capabilities.

## Key Facts
- **COSPAR ID**: 1976-040A
- **Launch Date**: May 5, 1976
- **Launch Vehicle**: Voskhod (Soviet launch vehicle)
- **Spacecraft Class**: Zenit-4MK
- **SCN Number**: 08823
- **Launch Site**: Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 31
- **Launch Time**: 07:50:00 UTC on May 5, 1976

## FAQs
### Q: What was the purpose of Cosmos 817?
A: Cosmos 817 was a reconnaissance satellite used for photographic intelligence missions as part of the Soviet Zenit-4MK program.

### Q: How was Cosmos 817 launched?
A: It was launched aboard a Voskhod rocket from Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 31 on May 5, 1976, at 07:50:00 UTC.

### Q: What is the significance of the Zenit-4MK class?
A: The Zenit-4MK class was a series of Soviet satellites designed for high-resolution imagery, with Cosmos 817 serving as one of its operational units.

## Why It Matters
Cosmos 817 represents a key component of the Soviet Union’s space-based reconnaissance efforts during the Cold War. As part of the Zenit-4MK series, it exemplified advancements in satellite technology tailored for military intelligence, enabling the Soviet Union to monitor strategic targets and assess geopolitical situations. Its launch on a Voskhod rocket underscores the reliability of Soviet launch systems for deploying sensitive payloads. While individual Zenit missions like Cosmos 817 were not publicly detailed, their collective role in maintaining Soviet strategic parity highlights their importance in the broader context of 20th-century space espionage.

## Notable For
- **Reconnaissance Role**: Part of the Zenit-4MK class, specialized for high-altitude photographic surveillance.
- **Voskhod Launch Vehicle**: Utilized a rocket primarily associated with crewed spaceflight, demonstrating its dual-use capability.
- **Baikonur Site 31**: Launched from a facility frequently used for military and scientific missions.
- **Cold War Context**: Contributed to Soviet intelligence-gathering infrastructure during a period of heightened geopolitical tensions.

## Body
### Launch Details
- **Date/Time**: May 5, 1976, at 07:50:00 UTC.
- **Site**: Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 31, a launch pad used for numerous Soviet space missions.
- **Vehicle**: Voskhod rocket, a derivative of the R-7 family adapted for satellite deployments.

### Spacecraft Class
- **Zenit-4MK**: A variant of the Zenit reconnaissance satellites, characterized by their dual-mode imaging systems and returnable film capsules.
- **Function**: Designed for high-resolution photography of Earth’s surface, with film canisters recovered mid-air after re-entry.

### Launch Vehicle
- **Voskhod**: Originally developed for crewed missions (e.g., the Voskhod 1 and 2 flights), later repurposed for launching satellites like Cosmos 817 due to its payload capacity and reliability.

### Mission Context
- **Cold War Surveillance**: Operated during a period of intense rivalry between the Soviet Union and the United States, where satellite reconnaissance played a critical role in verifying arms control agreements and monitoring military activities.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report