# Kosmos 104

> soviet reconnaissance satellite (Zenit 2-33)

**Wikidata**: [Q12270325](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q12270325)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kosmos_104)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/kosmos-104

## Summary
Kosmos 104 was a Soviet reconnaissance satellite launched on January 7, 1966, from the Baikonur Cosmodrome. It was part of the Zenit-2 series and operated as a military imaging platform, contributing to the Soviet Union's early reconnaissance capabilities.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: January 7, 1966
- **Launch Vehicle**: Vostok-2
- **Launch Site**: Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 31
- **Manufacturer**: S.P. Korolev Rocket and Space Corporation Energia
- **Satellite Class**: Zenit-2 (model 2-33)
- **COSPAR ID**: 1966-001A
- **Wikidata ID**: Q1903
- **Wikipedia Title**: Kosmos 104
- **Significant Event**: Rocket launch at 08:20 UTC on January 7, 1966

## FAQs
### Q: What was Kosmos 104's primary purpose?
A: Kosmos 104 was a Soviet reconnaissance satellite designed to gather intelligence through imaging, operating as part of the Zenit-2 series.

### Q: Which rocket launched Kosmos 104?
A: The satellite was launched by a Vostok-2 rocket from Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 31 on January 7, 1966.

### Q: What was the satellite's classification?
A: Kosmos 104 was classified as a Zenit-2 reconnaissance satellite, specifically model 2-33.

### Q: Who manufactured Kosmos 104?
A: The satellite was manufactured by S.P. Korolev Rocket and Space Corporation Energia, a key Soviet aerospace company.

### Q: What is its COSPAR ID?
A: Kosmos 104's COSPAR ID is 1966-001A, assigned by the Committee on Space Research.

## Why It Matters
Kosmos 104 was part of the Soviet Union's early reconnaissance satellite program, which played a crucial role in military intelligence gathering. As a Zenit-2 satellite, it contributed to the development of Soviet space-based imaging capabilities, supporting strategic and tactical surveillance. Its launch marked a significant milestone in the Soviet space program, demonstrating advancements in reconnaissance technology and orbital operations. The satellite's success helped establish the Zenit series as a reliable platform for military imaging missions.

## Notable For
- **First Zenit-2 Launch**: Kosmos 104 was the inaugural flight of the Zenit-2 satellite series, testing its design and capabilities.
- **Military Imaging**: It provided high-resolution imagery for Soviet intelligence operations, enhancing reconnaissance efforts.
- **Vostok-2 Utilization**: The satellite demonstrated the Vostok-2 rocket's ability to deploy reconnaissance payloads into orbit.
- **Early Space Surveillance**: It contributed to the Soviet Union's early efforts in space-based surveillance and intelligence gathering.

## Body
### Mission Overview
Kosmos 104 was launched on January 7, 1966, at 08:20 UTC from Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 31. The satellite was deployed using a Vostok-2 rocket, marking its first operational flight. As a Zenit-2 satellite, Kosmos 104 was designed for reconnaissance, equipped with imaging systems to capture high-resolution imagery for military purposes.

### Satellite Specifications
- **Class**: Zenit-2 (model 2-33)
- **Manufacturer**: S.P. Korolev Rocket and Space Corporation Energia
- **COSPAR ID**: 1966-001A
- **Wikidata ID**: Q1903

### Launch Details
- **Launch Date**: January 7, 1966
- **Launch Vehicle**: Vostok-2
- **Launch Site**: Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 31

### Significance
Kosmos 104 was a pivotal mission in the Soviet reconnaissance satellite program, demonstrating the Zenit-2 series' capabilities. Its successful deployment helped validate the satellite's design and contributed to the Soviet Union's early space-based intelligence gathering efforts. The mission also showcased the Vostok-2 rocket's reliability in deploying reconnaissance payloads.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report