# Kosmos 120
**Wikidata**: [Q12753155](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q12753155)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kosmos_120)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/kosmos-120

## Summary
Kosmos 120 was a Soviet satellite launched on June 8, 1966, as part of the Zenit-2 program. It was developed by the S.P. Korolev Rocket and Space Corporation Energia and launched from Baikonur Cosmodrome using a Voskhod rocket. The mission represented one of many launches under the Soviet Union's expansive Kosmos satellite program.

## Key Facts
- Launched on **June 8, 1966** at **11:00 UTC**
- Launch site: **Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 31**
- Part of the **Zenit-2** class of satellites
- Manufacturer: **S.P. Korolev Rocket and Space Corporation Energia**
- Launch vehicle: **Voskhod**
- COSPAR ID: **1966-050A**
- SCN (Spacecraft Number): **02196**
- Also known as: **Kosmos 120**

## FAQs
### Q: What was the purpose of Kosmos 120?
A: Kosmos 120 was part of the Zenit-2 program, which typically involved reconnaissance and experimental missions. Specific mission details are not fully disclosed, consistent with the classified nature of many Kosmos launches during the Cold War era.

### Q: When and where was Kosmos 120 launched?
A: Kosmos 120 was launched on **June 8, 1966**, at **11:00 UTC** from **Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 31** in the Soviet Union.

### Q: Who manufactured Kosmos 120?
A: The satellite was manufactured by **S.P. Korolev Rocket and Space Corporation Energia**, the leading Soviet aerospace developer responsible for numerous crewed and uncrewed space missions.

## Why It Matters
Kosmos 120 represents a key component of the Soviet Union’s extensive use of the Kosmos designation for military, scientific, and experimental satellites during the height of the Cold War. As part of the Zenit-2 program, it contributed to the USSR's efforts in space-based surveillance and technology development. Its launch reflects the rapid pace of Soviet space activity in the mid-1960s, a period marked by intense competition with the United States. Understanding missions like Kosmos 120 provides insight into the broader strategic goals and technological capabilities of the Soviet space program.

## Notable For
- Being part of the **Zenit-2** satellite class used primarily for reconnaissance
- Launching aboard a **Voskhod** rocket, typically associated with crewed missions
- Representing the **ongoing expansion** of the Kosmos satellite program in the 1960s
- Reflecting the **classified nature** of many Soviet-era space missions
- Manufactured by **S.P. Korolev Rocket and Space Corporation Energia**, a major figure in space history

## Body

### Mission Overview
Kosmos 120 was launched on **June 8, 1966**, as part of the Soviet Union's **Kosmos satellite program**, a broad initiative encompassing various military and scientific payloads. The satellite belonged to the **Zenit-2** class, which was primarily used for reconnaissance purposes.

### Technical Specifications
- **Class**: Zenit-2
- **Manufacturer**: S.P. Korolev Rocket and Space Corporation Energia
- **Launch Vehicle**: Voskhod
- **COSPAR ID**: 1966-050A
- **SCN**: 02196

### Launch Details
The launch occurred on **June 8, 1966**, at **11:00 UTC** from **Site 31** at the **Baikonur Cosmodrome**, then part of the Soviet Union. The use of the **Voskhod** rocket—an originally crew-rated launcher—highlights the dual-use flexibility of Soviet launch systems during this era.

### Program Context
As part of the **Zenit-2 program**, Kosmos 120 likely served intelligence-gathering functions, although exact mission parameters remain classified. The Zenit program was instrumental in advancing Soviet capabilities in orbital reconnaissance throughout the 1960s and beyond.

### Legacy
Kosmos 120 contributes to the historical record of Soviet space activity, particularly within the context of Cold War-era satellite operations. It exemplifies the scale and frequency of launches conducted under the Kosmos banner, many of which supported national defense objectives.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report