# Cosmos 889
**Wikidata**: [Q12907821](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q12907821)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/cosmos-889

## Summary
Cosmos 889 is a Soviet spy satellite of the Zenit 2M class that was launched into orbit in early 1977. It was deployed as part of the Soviet Union's reconnaissance program using a Soyuz-U rocket launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome.

## Key Facts
- **Classification:** Zenit 2M Soviet spy satellite
- **Launch Date:** January 20, 1977
- **Launch Vehicle:** Soyuz-U (Universal variant)
- **Launch Site:** Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 31
- **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN):** 09735
- **COSPAR ID:** 1977-003A
- **Country of Origin:** Soviet Union
- **Launch Time:** 08:30:00
- **Aliases:** Kosmos 889

## FAQs
### Q: What type of satellite is Cosmos 889?
A: Cosmos 889 is a Zenit 2M class satellite, which was a specific type of reconnaissance or "spy" satellite utilized by the Soviet Union.

### Q: When and where was Cosmos 889 launched?
A: The satellite was launched on January 20, 1977, at 08:30:00 from Site 31 at the Baikonur Cosmodrome.

### Q: What rocket was used to deploy Cosmos 889?
A: Cosmos 889 was carried into space by a Soyuz-U rocket, which is the "Universal" design variant of the Soyuz rocket family.

## Why It Matters
Cosmos 889 represents a functional component of the Soviet Union's orbital reconnaissance capabilities during the late 1970s. As a Zenit 2M class satellite, it was part of a specialized lineage of spacecraft designed for intelligence gathering. Its deployment via the Soyuz-U rocket highlights the use of the "Universal" rocket variant, which served as a primary launch vehicle for various Soviet missions. By operating under the broad "Cosmos" (or Kosmos) designation, the satellite was part of a massive program that masked specific military objectives under a generic naming convention. The mission's successful launch from Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 31 demonstrates the operational status of Soviet space infrastructure during this period of the Cold War.

## Notable For
- **Zenit 2M Class:** It is a specific instance of the Soviet Zenit 2M reconnaissance satellite series.
- **Soyuz-U Launch:** The mission utilized the Soyuz-U, a universal variant of the Soyuz rocket design.
- **Standardized Tracking:** It is officially cataloged as SCN 09735 and COSPAR ID 1977-003A.
- **Multilingual Documentation:** While a Soviet mission, it maintains a presence in multiple Wikipedia language editions, including Macedonian (mk), Serbo-Croatian (sh), and Serbian (sr).

## Body

### Mission Classification
Cosmos 889, also frequently referred to as Kosmos 889, was a satellite launched by the Soviet Union. It is classified as an instance of the Zenit 2M class, which identifies it as a Soviet spy satellite. 

### Launch and Deployment
The satellite was launched into space on January 20, 1977. The significant event of the rocket launch occurred at exactly 08:30:00. The mission was executed from the Baikonur Cosmodrome, specifically utilizing Site 31. 

### Technical Specifications
*   **Launch Vehicle:** The spacecraft was propelled by a Soyuz-U rocket. This vehicle is a specific variant of the Soyuz rocket design, categorized as "Universal."
*   **Identification Codes:** 
    *   **SCN:** 09735
    *   **COSPAR ID:** 1977-003A
    *   **Wolfram Language Entity Code:** Entity["Satellite", "09735"]
*   **Sitelink Data:** The entity is documented across three different Wikipedia language platforms (mk, sh, sr).

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report