# Cosmos 953
**Wikidata**: [Q12754079](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q12754079)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/cosmos-953

## Summary
Cosmos 953 is a Soviet satellite launched on September 16, 1977, from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome using a Soyuz-U rocket. It is classified as a Zenit-4MKM satellite, part of the Cosmos series of Soviet space missions.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: September 16, 1977
- **Launch Vehicle**: Soyuz-U
- **Launch Site**: Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 43
- **Classification**: Zenit-4MKM satellite
- **COSPAR ID**: 1977-089A
- **Country of Origin**: Soviet Union
- **Wikidata ID**: Q10359
- **Wikipedia Availability**: Available in Macedonian, Serbo-Croatian, and Serbian

## FAQs
### Q: What was the purpose of Cosmos 953?
A: Cosmos 953 was a Soviet satellite launched as part of the Cosmos series, but its specific purpose is not detailed in the provided source material.

### Q: Which rocket was used to launch Cosmos 953?
A: Cosmos 953 was launched using a Soyuz-U rocket, a variant of the Soyuz rocket design.

### Q: Where was Cosmos 953 launched from?
A: The satellite was launched from Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 43 in the Soviet Union.

### Q: What is the significance of the Zenit-4MKM classification?
A: The Zenit-4MKM classification indicates that Cosmos 953 was part of a series of Soviet satellites designed for specific military or reconnaissance purposes, though exact details are not provided.

## Why It Matters
Cosmos 953 represents one of the many Soviet space missions conducted during the Cold War era. While its exact purpose remains unclear, it is part of a broader program of satellite deployments aimed at military and reconnaissance objectives. The launch demonstrates the Soviet Union's capability in space technology and its role in the space race. The satellite's classification as Zenit-4MKM suggests it was part of a specialized series, contributing to the Soviet military's space-based surveillance and communication systems.

## Notable For
- **First Launch of Zenit-4MKM Series**: Cosmos 953 may have been the first or an early example of the Zenit-4MKM satellite class.
- **Soyuz-U Rocket Utilization**: The use of the Soyuz-U rocket highlights its reliability and versatility in launching Soviet satellites.
- **Plesetsk Cosmodrome Activity**: The launch site, Plesetsk Cosmodrome, was a key location for Soviet space missions, particularly for military satellites.

## Body
### Launch Details
Cosmos 953 was launched on **September 16, 1977**, at **14:30:00 UTC** from **Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 43**. The launch vehicle used was the **Soyuz-U**, a variant of the Soyuz rocket design. The satellite was assigned the **COSPAR ID 1977-089A**.

### Classification and Design
The satellite is classified as a **Zenit-4MKM**, part of the broader Zenit series of Soviet satellites. The Zenit series was known for its military applications, including reconnaissance and communication. The exact specifications and payload of Cosmos 953 are not detailed in the source material.

### Historical Context
The launch occurred during the Cold War, a period of intense geopolitical rivalry between the Soviet Union and the United States. Soviet space missions like Cosmos 953 were part of broader efforts to establish dominance in space technology and surveillance capabilities.

### Wikipedia Availability
The satellite's information is available in **Macedonian (mk)**, **Serbo-Croatian (sh)**, and **Serbian (sr)** Wikipedia editions, indicating its relevance in those linguistic regions.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report