# Cosmos 846
**Wikidata**: [Q12754026](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q12754026)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/cosmos-846

## Summary
Cosmos 846 was a Soviet satellite launched on July 29, 1976, using the Kosmos-3M rocket from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome. It was part of the Zaliv satellite bus series and operated under the Tsiklon program.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: July 29, 1976
- **Launch Vehicle**: Kosmos-3M
- **Launch Site**: Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 132
- **Satellite Bus**: Zaliv
- **COSPAR ID**: 1976-078A
- **Parent Program**: Tsiklon
- **Launch Time**: 20:02:44 UTC
- **Wikipedia Availability**: Available in Hungarian, Macedonian, Serbian, and Serbo-Croatian

## FAQs
### Q: What was the purpose of Cosmos 846?
A: Cosmos 846 was a Soviet satellite launched as part of the Zaliv satellite bus series, which was likely used for military or reconnaissance purposes, typical of the Tsiklon program.

### Q: Which rocket launched Cosmos 846?
A: The satellite was launched using the Kosmos-3M rocket, a Soviet expendable launch vehicle.

### Q: Where was Cosmos 846 launched from?
A: The launch took place from Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 132, a key facility for Soviet space missions.

### Q: What was the COSPAR ID of Cosmos 846?
A: The COSPAR ID assigned to Cosmos 846 is 1976-078A.

### Q: Is there a Wikipedia page for Cosmos 846?
A: Yes, Wikipedia entries for Cosmos 846 exist in Hungarian, Macedonian, Serbian, and Serbo-Croatian.

## Why It Matters
Cosmos 846 represents a significant entry in the Soviet space program's history, particularly within the Tsiklon program. Launched in 1976, it was part of a series of satellites designed under the Zaliv satellite bus, which was likely used for military or reconnaissance missions. The launch from Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 132 highlights the Soviet Union's commitment to space exploration and surveillance during the Cold War era. While specific details about its mission are limited, Cosmos 846 contributes to the broader narrative of Soviet space achievements and the evolution of satellite technology in the 1970s.

## Notable For
- **Part of the Zaliv Satellite Bus**: Cosmos 846 was one of several satellites designed under this satellite bus, which was likely used for military or reconnaissance purposes.
- **Tsiklon Program Affiliation**: The satellite was launched as part of the Tsiklon program, a Soviet initiative focused on space-based surveillance and communication.
- **Kosmos-3M Launch Vehicle**: The use of the Kosmos-3M rocket underscores the Soviet Union's reliance on this launch vehicle for deploying satellites during the Cold War.
- **Plesetsk Cosmodrome Launch**: The launch from Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 132 demonstrates the Soviet Union's strategic use of this facility for military and scientific missions.

## Body
### Launch Details
Cosmos 846 was launched on **July 29, 1976**, at **20:02:44 UTC** from **Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 132**. The satellite was deployed using the **Kosmos-3M** rocket, a Soviet expendable launch vehicle known for its reliability in deploying satellites during the Cold War era.

### Satellite Classification
The satellite was classified under the **Zaliv satellite bus**, a series of satellites likely used for military or reconnaissance purposes. It was part of the broader **Tsiklon program**, which focused on space-based surveillance and communication.

### Identification and Tracking
Cosmos 846 is identified by the **COSPAR ID 1976-078A**, a standard identifier assigned to space objects for tracking and reference. The satellite's presence in Wikipedia in multiple languages—Hungarian, Macedonian, Serbian, and Serbo-Croatian—indicates its historical significance and broader interest.

### Historical Context
The launch of Cosmos 846 occurred during a period of intense Cold War competition, with the Soviet Union actively pursuing advancements in space technology. The satellite's affiliation with the Tsiklon program reflects the Soviet Union's efforts to maintain a strategic edge in space-based surveillance and communication.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report