# Cosmos 938
**Wikidata**: [Q12754071](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q12754071)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/cosmos-938

## Summary
Cosmos 938 is a Soviet military reconnaissance satellite launched on August 24, 1977. It was part of the Zenit-4MKM program and was deployed using a Soyuz-U rocket from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome. The satellite is identified by COSPAR ID 1977-078A and SCN number 10281.

## Key Facts
- Launched on August 24, 1977 at 14:29:59 UTC
- Launch site: Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 43/4
- Launch vehicle: Soyuz-U rocket
- Satellite class: Zenit-4MKM
- COSPAR ID: 1977-078A
- SCN number: 10281
- Alternate name: Kosmos 938
- Country of origin: Soviet Union

## FAQs
### Q: What was the purpose of Cosmos 938?
A: Cosmos 938 was a military reconnaissance satellite developed by the Soviet Union. Its primary function was Earth observation for intelligence-gathering purposes under the Zenit-4MKM program.

### Q: When and where was Cosmos 938 launched?
A: Cosmos 938 was launched on August 24, 1977, at 14:29:59 UTC from Site 43/4 at the Plesetsk Cosmodrome in the Soviet Union.

### Q: What kind of rocket was used to launch Cosmos 938?
A: Cosmos 938 was launched using a Soyuz-U rocket, a Soviet-designed launch vehicle commonly used for military and civilian satellite deployments during the Cold War era.

## Why It Matters
Cosmos 938 represents a key component of the Soviet Union's space-based military surveillance infrastructure during the Cold War. As part of the Zenit-4MKM series, it contributed to the USSR’s strategic reconnaissance capabilities, enabling photographic intelligence collection from orbit. These missions were essential for monitoring geopolitical developments and maintaining military readiness. The use of the reliable Soyuz-U launch system underscores the technological maturity of Soviet space operations during the late 1970s. Cosmos 938 exemplifies the dual-use nature of space technology—advancing both national security objectives and aerospace engineering practices.

## Notable For
- Part of the classified Zenit-4MKM reconnaissance satellite program
- One of multiple Cosmos-series satellites launched by the Soviet Union for military purposes
- Launched using the widely-used and reliable Soyuz-U rocket
- Represents Soviet advancements in orbital reconnaissance during the Cold War
- Identified with international tracking IDs: COSPAR 1977-078A and SCN 10281

## Body
### Mission Overview
Cosmos 938 was a Soviet military reconnaissance satellite operated under the Cosmos program. It belonged to the Zenit-4MKM class, which was designed for high-resolution optical reconnaissance from low Earth orbit.

### Technical Specifications
- **Class**: Zenit-4MKM
- **SCN Number**: 10281
- **COSPAR ID**: 1977-078A
- **Alias**: Kosmos 938

### Launch Details
- **Launch Date**: August 24, 1977
- **Launch Time**: 14:29:59 UTC
- **Launch Vehicle**: Soyuz-U
- **Launch Site**: Plesetsk Cosmodrome, Site 43/4

The launch marked another successful deployment in the extensive Cosmos satellite program, which encompassed various scientific and military payloads throughout the Cold War period.

### Operational Context
As a Zenit-4MKM satellite, Cosmos 938 likely carried out photographic reconnaissance missions, returning film capsules or transmitting imagery back to ground stations. These satellites played a crucial role in Soviet military intelligence efforts during an era of heightened global tensions.

### Legacy
Cosmos 938 reflects the scale and sophistication of Soviet space-based surveillance systems. Though details remain classified, its launch history contributes to understanding the broader development of reconnaissance satellite technology during the latter half of the 20th century.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report