# Kosmos 124

> Soviet reconnaissance satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q12684516](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q12684516)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kosmos_124)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/kosmos-124

## Summary
Kosmos 124 was a Soviet reconnaissance satellite launched on July 14, 1966, as part of the Zenit-2 class. It was launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome using a Voskhod rocket, marking a significant mission in the Soviet space program's early reconnaissance efforts.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: July 14, 1966
- **Launch Site**: Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 31
- **Launch Vehicle**: Voskhod
- **Manufacturer**: S.P. Korolev Rocket and Space Corporation Energia
- **Class**: Zenit-2
- **COSPAR ID**: 1966-064A
- **SCN (NORAD ID)**: 02325
- **Significant Event**: Rocket launch at 10:25:00 UTC on July 14, 1966

## FAQs
### Q: What was Kosmos 124's primary purpose?
A: Kosmos 124 was a Soviet reconnaissance satellite designed to gather intelligence through space-based observation.

### Q: Which rocket launched Kosmos 124?
A: The satellite was launched using a Voskhod rocket from the Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 31.

### Q: What class of satellite was Kosmos 124?
A: Kosmos 124 belonged to the Zenit-2 class of reconnaissance satellites.

### Q: Who manufactured Kosmos 124?
A: The satellite was manufactured by S.P. Korolev Rocket and Space Corporation Energia.

### Q: What was the launch date of Kosmos 124?
A: Kosmos 124 was launched on July 14, 1966.

## Why It Matters
Kosmos 124 played a crucial role in the Soviet Union's early reconnaissance satellite program. As part of the Zenit-2 series, it contributed to the development of space-based intelligence gathering, which was a key component of the Cold War-era space race. The mission demonstrated the Soviet Union's capability to deploy satellites for military reconnaissance, reinforcing its position as a major space power. The successful launch and operation of Kosmos 124 highlighted the advancements in Soviet space technology and its strategic applications during the 1960s.

## Notable For
- **First Zenit-2 Mission**: Kosmos 124 was one of the earliest missions in the Zenit-2 satellite series, marking a significant step in Soviet reconnaissance satellite development.
- **Voskhod Launch**: The use of the Voskhod rocket for this mission underscored the Soviet Union's reliance on this launch vehicle for early reconnaissance operations.
- **Cold War Intelligence**: The satellite's role in gathering intelligence reinforced the Soviet Union's military capabilities in space during the Cold War era.

## Body
### Mission Overview
Kosmos 124 was launched on July 14, 1966, from the Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 31 using a Voskhod rocket. The satellite was part of the Zenit-2 class, which was designed for reconnaissance and intelligence gathering. The mission was significant as it contributed to the Soviet Union's early efforts in space-based surveillance.

### Technical Specifications
- **Satellite Class**: Zenit-2
- **Launch Vehicle**: Voskhod
- **Manufacturer**: S.P. Korolev Rocket and Space Corporation Energia
- **COSPAR ID**: 1966-064A
- **SCN (NORAD ID)**: 02325

### Launch Details
- **Launch Date**: July 14, 1966
- **Launch Time**: 10:25:00 UTC
- **Launch Site**: Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 31

### Historical Context
Kosmos 124 was part of a broader Soviet program to develop reconnaissance satellites capable of gathering intelligence from space. The mission was executed during a period of intense competition in the Cold War, where both the Soviet Union and the United States were investing heavily in space technology for military and strategic purposes. The successful launch and operation of Kosmos 124 demonstrated the Soviet Union's ability to deploy satellites for intelligence gathering, contributing to its reputation as a leading space power.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report