# Cosmos 87
**Wikidata**: [Q1119736](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1119736)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/cosmos-87

## Summary
Cosmos 87 was a Soviet military communications satellite launched on September 18, 1965. It belonged to the Strela-1 class of satellites and was deployed using a Kosmos-1 carrier rocket from the Baikonur Cosmodrome. The mission represented part of the USSR's expanding space-based communication capabilities during the Cold War era.

## Key Facts
- Official designation: Cosmos 87
- Alternate name: Kosmos 87
- COSPAR ID: 1965-073B
- Launch date: September 18, 1965
- Launch time: 07:59:00 UTC
- Launch site: Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 41
- Launch vehicle: Kosmos-1
- Satellite class: Strela-1
- SCN (Spacecraft Number): 01585
- Instance of: Strela-1 satellite
- Significant event: Rocket launch at Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 41

## FAQs
### Q: What was Cosmos 87 used for?
A: Cosmos 87 was a Soviet military communications satellite designed to support secure radio relay communications. It was part of the broader Strela-1 program developed for strategic military purposes during the Cold War.

### Q: When was Cosmos 87 launched?
A: Cosmos 87 was launched on September 18, 1965, at 07:59:00 UTC from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.

### Q: How was Cosmos 87 launched into orbit?
A: Cosmos 87 was launched using a Kosmos-1 carrier rocket, which was specifically developed by the Soviet Union for launching low-orbit satellites like those in the Strela series.

## Why It Matters
Cosmos 87 represents an early milestone in Soviet military space technology and reflects the rapid expansion of dual-use satellite systems during the mid-1960s. As part of the Strela-1 constellation, it contributed to the USSR’s ability to maintain secure long-distance communications across its vast territory and with remote forces. These satellites played a critical role in enhancing command and control infrastructure during a period marked by geopolitical tension. The development and deployment of such systems also demonstrated the growing integration of space assets into national defense strategies, setting precedents for future generations of military satellites worldwide.

## Notable For
- Part of the pioneering Strela-1 military satellite system
- Among the earliest operational Soviet communications satellites
- Launched via the specialized Kosmos-1 rocket, indicating dedicated military launch capability
- Represents Soviet advancements in secure tactical communications during the Cold War
- Identified by SCN code 01585, linking it to official tracking databases

## Body
### Mission Overview
Cosmos 87 was a Soviet satellite launched as part of the classified Strela-1 program. Designed primarily for military communications, these satellites were instrumental in establishing reliable, encrypted radio links over large distances without reliance on terrestrial infrastructure.

### Technical Classification
The spacecraft was categorized under the Strela-1 class, a group known for their cylindrical design and low Earth orbit operations. These satellites typically weighed around 300 kg and operated in near-polar orbits to maximize global coverage.

### Launch Details
- **Launch Vehicle**: Kosmos-1  
  A modified version of the R-12 missile adapted for orbital launches.
- **Launch Date**: September 18, 1965
- **Launch Time**: 07:59:00 UTC
- **Launch Site**: Baikonur Cosmodrome, Site 41

This launch occurred during a phase when the Soviet Union was actively expanding its presence in space, particularly focusing on practical applications such as communications and reconnaissance.

### Identification and Tracking
- **COSPAR ID**: 1965-073B
- **SCN (Spacecraft Number)**: 01585
- **Aliases**: Kosmos 87

These identifiers have been consistently referenced in international satellite catalogs and academic literature, confirming its place within historical records of early space activity.

### Historical Context
Launched just two years after the debut of the first Strela-1 satellites, Cosmos 87 exemplifies the maturation of Soviet satellite technology. Its successful deployment reinforced the USSR's growing competence in deploying constellations of small, purpose-built satellites tailored for strategic use.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report