# Cosmos 904
**Wikidata**: [Q12754056](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q12754056)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/cosmos-904

## Summary
Cosmos 904 was a Soviet spy satellite launched on April 20, 1977, from the Baikonur Cosmodrome. It was part of the Zenit 2M series and was launched aboard a Soyuz-U rocket. The satellite's COSPAR ID is 1977-028A, and its SCN (Satellite Catalog Number) is 09930.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: April 20, 1977
- **Launch Vehicle**: Soyuz-U
- **Launch Site**: Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 31
- **COSPAR ID**: 1977-028A
- **SCN (Satellite Catalog Number)**: 09930
- **Type**: Zenit 2M spy satellite
- **Country of Origin**: Soviet Union
- **Launch Time**: 09:00:00 UTC

## FAQs
### Q: What was Cosmos 904?
A: Cosmos 904 was a Soviet spy satellite of the Zenit 2M series, launched on April 20, 1977, from the Baikonur Cosmodrome using a Soyuz-U rocket.

### Q: What type of satellite was Cosmos 904?
A: Cosmos 904 was a Zenit 2M spy satellite, designed for reconnaissance and intelligence gathering.

### Q: Where was Cosmos 904 launched from?
A: Cosmos 904 was launched from Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 31, a key Soviet spaceport.

### Q: What was the launch vehicle for Cosmos 904?
A: The satellite was launched aboard a Soyuz-U rocket, a variant of the Soyuz rocket family.

### Q: What is the COSPAR ID of Cosmos 904?
A: The COSPAR ID for Cosmos 904 is 1977-028A.

## Why It Matters
Cosmos 904 was part of the Soviet Union's extensive satellite program, which included numerous reconnaissance missions. The Zenit 2M series was designed to provide high-resolution imagery for military and intelligence purposes. The launch of Cosmos 904, along with other satellites in the program, contributed to the Soviet Union's capabilities in space-based surveillance. The Soyuz-U rocket, used for this mission, was a reliable and versatile launch vehicle that played a crucial role in the Soviet space program. The satellite's successful deployment demonstrated the country's technological advancements and commitment to maintaining its position as a global leader in space exploration and intelligence gathering.

## Notable For
- **First of its kind**: One of the earliest Zenit 2M satellites launched by the Soviet Union.
- **Military reconnaissance**: Designed for high-resolution imaging and intelligence operations.
- **Soyuz-U launch**: Utilized a proven and reliable rocket for the mission.
- **Baikonur Cosmodrome**: Launched from a key Soviet spaceport, highlighting the importance of the site in the Cold War space race.
- **Cold War-era satellite**: Part of the Soviet Union's extensive satellite program during the Cold War.

## Body
### Overview
Cosmos 904 was a Soviet spy satellite launched on April 20, 1977, as part of the Zenit 2M series. The satellite was launched aboard a Soyuz-U rocket from Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 31. It was assigned the COSPAR ID 1977-028A and the SCN (Satellite Catalog Number) 09930.

### Mission Details
- **Launch Date**: April 20, 1977
- **Launch Time**: 09:00:00 UTC
- **Launch Vehicle**: Soyuz-U
- **Launch Site**: Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 31
- **Type**: Zenit 2M spy satellite
- **Country of Origin**: Soviet Union

### Significance
Cosmos 904 was part of the Soviet Union's extensive satellite program, which included numerous reconnaissance missions. The Zenit 2M series was designed to provide high-resolution imagery for military and intelligence gathering. The launch of Cosmos 904, along with other satellites in the program, contributed to the Soviet Union's capabilities in space-based surveillance. The Soyuz-U rocket, used for this mission, was a reliable and versatile launch vehicle that played a crucial role in the Soviet space program. The satellite's successful deployment demonstrated the country's technological advancements and commitment to maintaining its position as a global leader in space exploration and intelligence gathering.

### Technical Specifications
- **COSPAR ID**: 1977-028A
- **SCN (Satellite Catalog Number)**: 09930
- **Type**: Zenit 2M spy satellite
- **Launch Vehicle**: Soyuz-U
- **Launch Site**: Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 31

### Historical Context
Cosmos 904 was launched during the Cold War, a period of intense geopolitical rivalry between the Soviet Union and the United States. The satellite was part of the Soviet Union's efforts to maintain a strategic advantage in space-based reconnaissance. The Zenit 2M series was designed to provide high-resolution imagery, which was crucial for military and intelligence operations. The successful deployment of Cosmos 904 demonstrated the Soviet Union's technological capabilities and commitment to maintaining its position as a global leader in space exploration and intelligence gathering.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report