# Cosmos 971
**Wikidata**: [Q12754086](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q12754086)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/cosmos-971

## Summary
Cosmos 971 is a Soviet satellite launched on December 23, 1977, as part of the Parus navigation system for naval support. It was deployed using a Kosmos-3M rocket from Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 132. The satellite is identified by COSPAR ID 1977-122A and SCN 10536.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: December 23, 1977, at 16:24:00 UTC.
- **Launch Vehicle**: Kosmos-3M rocket, a Soviet/Russian launch system.
- **Launch Site**: Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 132 in the Soviet Union (now Russia).
- **Satellite Class**: Parus, a navigation satellite series for military use.
- **Identifiers**: COSPAR ID 1977-122A, SCN 10536.
- **Mission**: Supported naval navigation and communication for the Soviet military.

## FAQs
### Q: When was Cosmos 971 launched?
A: Cosmos 971 was launched on December 23, 1977, at 16:24:00 UTC from Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 132.

### Q: What type of satellite is Cosmos 971?
A: It belongs to the Parus class, designed for naval navigation and communication support within the Soviet military.

### Q: What rocket was used to launch Cosmos 971?
A: The satellite was deployed using a Kosmos-3M rocket, a reliable Soviet-era launch vehicle.

## Why It Matters
Cosmos 971 played a role in the Soviet Union’s military navigation infrastructure as part of the Parus satellite system. These satellites were critical for providing location data and communication support to naval forces, enhancing operational capabilities during the Cold War. As a component of the broader Parus network, Cosmos 971 contributed to strategic readiness and maritime security efforts. Its launch exemplifies the Soviet emphasis on space-based military assets, reflecting broader geopolitical tensions of the era. While individual satellites like Cosmos 971 were not unique, their collective deployment underscored the importance of space technology in 20th-century defense strategies.

## Notable For
- **Naval Navigation Support**: Part of the Parus system designed to aid Soviet naval operations.
- **Kosmos-3M Rocket Deployment**: Utilized a prolific launch vehicle known for reliability in small satellite missions.
- **Cold War-Era Asset**: Representative of Soviet military space infrastructure during the 1970s.

## Body
### Launch Details
- **Date/Time**: December 23, 1977, at 16:24:00 UTC.
- **Site**: Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 132, a key Soviet launch facility.
- **Vehicle**: Kosmos-3M (rocket family used for small satellite deployments).

### Satellite Class
- **Parus Series**: A navigation satellite class developed for the Soviet military, succeeding the earlier Tsiklon system.
- **Purpose**: Provided radio navigation and timing signals for naval and ground-based forces.

### Mission and Operations
- **Primary Role**: Supported naval navigation, enabling ships to determine their position at sea.
- **Technical Context**: Parus satellites operated in low Earth orbit, transmitting signals for triangulation.

### Legacy
- **Historical Context**: Part of a network of satellites that bolstered Soviet military logistics and coordination.
- **Launch Heritage**: The Kosmos-3M rocket launched numerous Parus satellites, demonstrating its cost-effectiveness for routine deployments.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report