# Cosmos 988
**Wikidata**: [Q12754095](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q12754095)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/cosmos-988

## Summary
Cosmos 988 was a Soviet satellite launched on February 8, 1978, using a Soyuz-U rocket from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome. It was an instance of the Zenit-4MT class, part of the Soviet Union's early space program.

## Key Facts
- **Launch date**: February 8, 1978
- **Launch vehicle**: Soyuz-U
- **Launch site**: Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 43
- **Class**: Zenit-4MT
- **COSPAR ID**: 1978-015A
- **Country of origin**: Soviet Union
- **Significant event**: Rocket launch at 12:15:00 UTC on February 8, 1978
- **Wikipedia availability**: Available in Macedonian, Serbo-Croatian, and Serbian

## FAQs
### Q: What was Cosmos 988?
A: Cosmos 988 was a Soviet satellite launched on February 8, 1978, as part of the Zenit-4MT class. It was launched using a Soyuz-U rocket from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome.

### Q: When and where was Cosmos 988 launched?
A: Cosmos 988 was launched on February 8, 1978, at 12:15:00 UTC from Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 43.

### Q: What type of satellite was Cosmos 988?
A: Cosmos 988 was an instance of the Zenit-4MT class, a Soviet satellite design.

### Q: Which rocket was used to launch Cosmos 988?
A: The Soyuz-U rocket was used to launch Cosmos 988.

### Q: What is the COSPAR ID of Cosmos 988?
A: The COSPAR ID of Cosmos 988 is 1978-015A.

## Why It Matters
Cosmos 988 represents a significant milestone in the Soviet Union's early space exploration efforts. Launched as part of the Zenit-4MT class, it was one of many satellites deployed during the Cold War era to support military, scientific, and technological objectives. The mission highlights the Soviet Union's advancements in satellite technology and its contributions to the broader space program. While specific details about its payload or mission objectives are not provided, its inclusion in the Cosmos series indicates its role in testing or operational satellite capabilities. The launch from Plesetsk Cosmodrome further underscores the Soviet Union's strategic use of this facility for space missions.

## Notable For
- **First launch of the Zenit-4MT class**: Cosmos 988 was an early representative of this satellite design.
- **Soyuz-U rocket utilization**: The mission marked another successful use of the Soyuz-U launch vehicle.
- **Plesetsk Cosmodrome deployment**: The launch site was pivotal in executing the mission.
- **COSPAR ID assignment**: The 1978-015A designation confirms its cataloging in international space tracking systems.

## Body
### Mission Overview
Cosmos 988 was launched on February 8, 1978, at 12:15:00 UTC from Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 43. The satellite was part of the Zenit-4MT class, a series of Soviet satellites designed for various purposes, including military and scientific applications. The Soyuz-U rocket served as the launch vehicle, a reliable workhorse in the Soviet space program.

### Classification and Design
The Zenit-4MT class, of which Cosmos 988 was an instance, was a significant part of the Soviet satellite fleet. The satellite's classification and design details are limited, but its inclusion in the Cosmos series suggests it was likely used for testing or operational purposes. The Soyuz-U rocket, known for its versatility, played a crucial role in deploying Cosmos 988 into orbit.

### Launch Details
The launch occurred at Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 43, a key facility for Soviet space missions. The precise time of 12:15:00 UTC ensures accurate tracking and coordination with ground stations. The COSPAR ID 1978-015A further catalogs the mission in international space databases.

### Historical Context
Cosmos 988 is part of a broader series of Soviet satellites launched during the Cold War. The mission reflects the Soviet Union's efforts to maintain a strong presence in space, balancing military, scientific, and technological objectives. While specific mission details are not provided, the launch and classification of Cosmos 988 contribute to the historical record of Soviet space exploration.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report