# Kosmos 129

> soviet reconnaissance satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q12684737](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q12684737)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kosmos_129)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/kosmos-129

## Summary
Kosmos 129 was a Soviet reconnaissance satellite launched on October 14, 1966, as part of the Zenit-2 class. It was deployed using a Vostok-2 rocket from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome, marking a significant mission in the Soviet space program.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: October 14, 1966
- **Launch Vehicle**: Vostok-2
- **Launch Site**: Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 41
- **Manufacturer**: S.P. Korolev Rocket and Space Corporation Energia
- **Class**: Zenit-2 reconnaissance satellite
- **COSPAR ID**: 1966-091A
- **SCN (NORAD ID)**: 02491
- **Significant Event**: Rocket launch at 12:13:08 UTC on October 14, 1966

## FAQs
### Q: What was Kosmos 129?
A: Kosmos 129 was a Soviet reconnaissance satellite launched on October 14, 1966, as part of the Zenit-2 class. It was used for military surveillance and was launched from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome.

### Q: Which rocket was used to launch Kosmos 129?
A: Kosmos 129 was launched using a Vostok-2 rocket from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 41.

### Q: What was the purpose of Kosmos 129?
A: Kosmos 129 was a reconnaissance satellite designed for military surveillance, part of the Soviet Union's early space-based intelligence efforts.

### Q: Who manufactured Kosmos 129?
A: Kosmos 129 was manufactured by S.P. Korolev Rocket and Space Corporation Energia, a key organization in the Soviet space program.

### Q: What was the launch date of Kosmos 129?
A: Kosmos 129 was launched on October 14, 1966, at 12:13:08 UTC.

## Why It Matters
Kosmos 129 played a crucial role in the Soviet Union's early reconnaissance satellite program, contributing to its military and intelligence capabilities. As part of the Zenit-2 class, it was designed to gather intelligence data from space, supporting the Cold War-era need for surveillance. The mission demonstrated the Soviet Union's advancements in space-based reconnaissance, though details of its specific operations remain classified. The launch also highlighted the Plesetsk Cosmodrome's role as a key site for Soviet space activities. While not as widely publicized as later missions, Kosmos 129 was a foundational element in the Soviet space program's reconnaissance efforts.

## Notable For
- **First of its class**: One of the earliest Zenit-2 reconnaissance satellites, contributing to the Soviet Union's early space-based intelligence network.
- **Military significance**: Designed for surveillance, Kosmos 129 was part of the Soviet Union's efforts to monitor global activities during the Cold War.
- **Plesetsk launch**: Launched from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome, a critical site for Soviet space missions.
- **Vostok-2 rocket**: Used the Vostok-2 launch vehicle, which was later adapted for other missions.
- **Classified operations**: Like many reconnaissance satellites, Kosmos 129's specific missions and capabilities remain classified.

## Body
### Overview
Kosmos 129 was a Soviet reconnaissance satellite launched on October 14, 1966, as part of the Zenit-2 class. It was deployed using a Vostok-2 rocket from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 41, marking a significant mission in the Soviet space program.

### Mission Details
- **Launch Date**: October 14, 1966, at 12:13:08 UTC.
- **Launch Vehicle**: Vostok-2, a Soviet rocket used for early reconnaissance missions.
- **Launch Site**: Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 41, a key location for Soviet space launches.
- **Manufacturer**: S.P. Korolev Rocket and Space Corporation Energia, a leading Soviet aerospace organization.

### Classification and Purpose
- **Class**: Zenit-2, a series of Soviet reconnaissance satellites.
- **Purpose**: Designed for military surveillance, Kosmos 129 was part of the Soviet Union's early efforts to gather intelligence from space.

### Identification
- **COSPAR ID**: 1966-091A, the international designation for the satellite.
- **SCN (NORAD ID)**: 02491, the catalog number assigned by the North American Aerospace Defense Command.

### Historical Context
Kosmos 129 was launched during the height of the Cold War, reflecting the Soviet Union's investment in space-based reconnaissance. The mission contributed to the development of the Soviet reconnaissance satellite network, though specific details of its operations remain classified. The launch also underscored the Plesetsk Cosmodrome's importance as a hub for Soviet space activities. While not as prominent as later missions, Kosmos 129 was a foundational element in the Soviet space program's reconnaissance efforts.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report