# Kosmos 122

> soviet weather satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q523982](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q523982)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kosmos_122)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/kosmos-122

## Summary
Kosmos 122 was a Soviet weather satellite launched on June 25, 1966. It was part of the Meteor class of satellites and was deployed into orbit using a Vostok-2M carrier rocket from Baikonur Cosmodrome.

## Key Facts
- Kosmos 122 was a Soviet weather satellite
- It was launched on June 25, 1966
- It was launched from Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 31 at 10:30:00
- It was launched using a Vostok-2M expendable carrier rocket
- It had a mass of 4,730 kilograms
- It had an orbital period of 97.1 minutes
- It had an apoapsis and periapsis of 625 kilometers
- It had an orbital inclination of 65 degrees
- It had an orbital eccentricity of 0.001842
- Its COSPAR ID is 1966-057A

## FAQs
### Q: What was the purpose of Kosmos 122?
A: Kosmos 122 was a Soviet weather satellite designed for meteorological observations and data collection as part of the Meteor class of satellites.

### Q: When and where was Kosmos 122 launched?
A: Kosmos 122 was launched on June 25, 1966, from Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 31 at 10:30:00.

### Q: What rocket was used to launch Kosmos 122?
A: Kosmos 122 was launched using a Vostok-2M expendable carrier rocket.

### Q: What were the orbital characteristics of Kosmos 122?
A: Kosmos 122 had an orbital period of 97.1 minutes, an apoapsis and periapsis of 625 kilometers, an orbital inclination of 65 degrees, and an orbital eccentricity of 0.001842.

## Why It Matters
Kosmos 122 represented an important component of the Soviet Union's meteorological satellite program during the Cold War era. As part of the Meteor class, it contributed to the development of space-based weather observation capabilities, which were crucial for both civilian weather forecasting and military applications. The satellite's deployment demonstrated the Soviet space program's continued advancement in satellite technology and its commitment to developing comprehensive Earth observation systems. The data collected by Kosmos 122 and its sister satellites likely improved weather prediction models and provided valuable information for agricultural planning and disaster management in the Soviet Union and allied countries.

## Notable For
- Being a member of the Meteor class of Soviet weather satellites
- Its launch using the Vostok-2M carrier rocket, a workhorse of the Soviet space program
- Its specific orbital characteristics with a circular orbit (identical apoapsis and periapsis) at 625 kilometers
- Its substantial mass of 4,730 kilograms, indicating a robust satellite platform for weather observation instruments

## Body
### Overview
Kosmos 122 was a Soviet weather satellite that formed part of the Meteor satellite program. The satellite was designed for meteorological observations and data collection to support weather forecasting and climate monitoring efforts in the Soviet Union.

### Launch Details
Kosmos 122 was launched on June 25, 1966, at 10:30:00 from Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 31. The satellite was deployed into orbit using a Vostok-2M expendable carrier rocket, which was a standard launch vehicle for Soviet meteorological satellites during this period. The launch was successful, and the satellite achieved its intended orbit.

### Orbital Characteristics
Kosmos 122 operated in a circular orbit with identical apoapsis and periapsis measurements of 625 kilometers. The satellite had an orbital period of 97.1 minutes and an orbital inclination of 65 degrees relative to the equator. Its orbital eccentricity was 0.001842, indicating a nearly circular orbit. These orbital parameters were typical for meteorological satellites of the era, providing consistent coverage of Earth's surface for weather observation purposes.

### Technical Specifications
The satellite had a mass of 4,730 kilograms, making it a substantial platform for meteorological instruments. Kosmos 122 was assigned the COSPAR ID 1966-057A and the serial number 02254. As a member of the Meteor class, it was equipped with instruments designed to collect data on cloud cover, temperature profiles, and other atmospheric parameters essential for weather forecasting and climate research.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report