# Cosmos 856
**Wikidata**: [Q4235069](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q4235069)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/cosmos-856

## Summary
Cosmos 856 (Kosmos 856) is a Soviet-era artificial Earth satellite of the Zenit 2M class (a Soviet spy/reconnaissance satellite) that was launched on 22 September 1976. It was placed into orbit by a Soyuz-U launch vehicle from Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 31.

## Key Facts
- Cosmos 856 (alias Kosmos 856) is identified by SCN 09435.  
- COSPAR ID: 1976-096A.  
- Instance/type: Zenit 2M, a Soviet spy (reconnaissance) satellite.  
- Classification: artificial satellite of the Earth.  
- Launch date: 1976-09-22.  
- Launch time (recorded event): 09:30:00 on 1976-09-22.  
- Launch site/start point: Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 31.  
- Launch vehicle: Soyuz-U (a Soviet Soyuz rocket variant).  
- Google Knowledge Graph ID: /g/121kq7wp.  
- Wolfram Language entity code: Entity["Satellite", "09435"].

## FAQs
### Q: What is Cosmos 856?
A: Cosmos 856 is a Soviet Zenit 2M class artificial satellite (a reconnaissance/"spy" satellite) launched into Earth orbit and cataloged under COSPAR ID 1976-096A and SCN 09435.

### Q: When and where was Cosmos 856 launched?
A: Cosmos 856 was launched on 22 September 1976. The recorded launch event occurred at 09:30:00 from Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 31.

### Q: What rocket placed Cosmos 856 into orbit?
A: Cosmos 856 was launched aboard a Soyuz-U launch vehicle, a Soviet variant of the Soyuz rocket family.

## Why It Matters
Cosmos 856 is a documented example of the Soviet Zenit 2M reconnaissance satellite series and thus forms part of the historical record of Soviet Earth-orbiting intelligence and observation capabilities. Its catalog identifiers (COSPAR 1976-096A, SCN 09435) and entries in modern knowledge systems (Google Knowledge Graph, Wolfram Language) make it a reference point for satellite cataloging, orbital-history research, and the study of space-launch operations of the 1970s. The combination of launch vehicle (Soyuz-U) and launch site (Baikonur Site 31) highlights operational practices of Soviet launch infrastructure. Researchers and historians use such entries to trace satellite families, understand launch cadence and vehicle usage, and maintain continuity in satellite databases. As part of the Zenit lineage, Cosmos 856 contributes to the broader record of Earth-observation reconnaissance platforms developed during that era.

## Notable For
- Being a Zenit 2M class satellite — categorized specifically as a Soviet "spy" (reconnaissance) satellite.  
- Official identification in international catalogs: COSPAR ID 1976-096A and SCN 09435.  
- Launched on 22 September 1976 at 09:30:00 from Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 31.  
- Launched by the Soyuz-U launch vehicle, a Soviet Soyuz variant.  
- Presence in modern reference systems (Google Knowledge Graph and Wolfram Language entity code).

## Body

### Identification and Cataloging
- Name/alias: Cosmos 856 (also styled Kosmos 856).  
- COSPAR ID: 1976-096A.  
- Satellite catalog number (SCN): 09435.  
- Listed in knowledge systems as Google KG /g/121kq7wp and Wolfram Entity["Satellite", "09435"].

### Spacecraft type and purpose
- Instance/type: Zenit 2M.  
- Zenit 2M is described as a Soviet spy (reconnaissance) satellite.  
- Classified as an artificial satellite of the Earth.

### Launch details
- Launch date: 1976-09-22.  
- Recorded launch event time: 09:30:00 on 1976-09-22.  
- Launch site/start point: Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 31.  
- Launch vehicle: Soyuz-U (a Soyuz rocket design variant; associated with the Soviet Union).

### Reference links and language availability
- Wikipedia-language entries exist in hu, mk, ru, sh, sr (indicating coverage in multiple languages).  
- Included in structured reference collections and catalogs (as reflected by the provided identifiers and entity codes).

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report