# Kosmos 15

> soviet reconnaissance satellite (Zenit 2-9)

**Wikidata**: [Q1119584](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1119584)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kosmos_15)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/kosmos-15

## Summary
Kosmos 15 was a Soviet reconnaissance satellite launched on April 22, 1963, as part of the Zenit-2 series. It was designed for photographic surveillance and operated in a low Earth orbit before re-entering the atmosphere on April 29, 1963.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: April 22, 1963, from Gagarin’s Start launch site.
- **Launch Vehicle**: Vostok-2 rocket.
- **Mass**: 4,730 kilograms.
- **Orbit**: Low Earth orbit with an orbital period of 89.77 minutes.
- **Apoapsis**: 371 kilometers.
- **Periapsis**: 173 kilometers.
- **Orbital Inclination**: 65 degrees.
- **Decay Date**: April 29, 1963.
- **Manufacturer**: S.P. Korolev Rocket and Space Corporation Energia.
- **COSPAR ID**: 1963-011A.

## FAQs
### Q: What was Kosmos 15’s primary purpose?
A: Kosmos 15 was a Soviet reconnaissance satellite designed for photographic surveillance, part of the Zenit-2 series.

### Q: How long did Kosmos 15 remain in orbit?
A: Kosmos 15 operated in orbit for 7 days before re-entering the atmosphere on April 29, 1963.

### Q: What launch vehicle was used to deploy Kosmos 15?
A: Kosmos 15 was launched aboard a Vostok-2 rocket from Gagarin’s Start on April 22, 1963.

### Q: What was the orbital inclination of Kosmos 15?
A: The satellite had an orbital inclination of 65 degrees.

### Q: Who manufactured Kosmos 15?
A: Kosmos 15 was manufactured by S.P. Korolev Rocket and Space Corporation Energia.

## Why It Matters
Kosmos 15 was a critical component of the Soviet Union’s early reconnaissance satellite program, demonstrating the country’s capability in space-based surveillance. As part of the Zenit-2 series, it contributed to the development of photographic reconnaissance technology, which was essential for military intelligence and strategic monitoring. Its relatively short operational lifespan, however, highlighted the challenges of maintaining stable orbits for such missions. The satellite’s mission provided valuable data for future reconnaissance efforts, reinforcing the Soviet Union’s position as a leader in space exploration and military applications.

## Notable For
- **First of its kind**: One of the earliest Soviet reconnaissance satellites in the Zenit-2 series.
- **Short operational life**: Re-entered the atmosphere just 7 days after launch.
- **Low Earth orbit**: Operated at an altitude of 173–371 kilometers.
- **Photographic surveillance**: Designed to capture imagery for military intelligence.
- **Vostok-2 launch**: Deployed using the Vostok-2 rocket, a Soviet carrier vehicle.

## Body
### Mission Overview
Kosmos 15 was launched on April 22, 1963, from Gagarin’s Start launch site in Kazakhstan. It was deployed using a Vostok-2 rocket, a Soviet carrier vehicle designed for satellite launches. The satellite was part of the Zenit-2 series, which was developed for photographic reconnaissance.

### Orbital Characteristics
Kosmos 15 operated in a low Earth orbit with an orbital period of 89.77 minutes. Its orbit had an apoapsis of 371 kilometers and a periapsis of 173 kilometers, with an orbital inclination of 65 degrees. These parameters were typical for reconnaissance satellites of the era.

### Operational Life
The satellite remained in orbit for 7 days before re-entering the atmosphere on April 29, 1963. This relatively short operational lifespan was common for early reconnaissance satellites, which often faced challenges in maintaining stable orbits.

### Significance
Kosmos 15 played a role in advancing Soviet reconnaissance capabilities. As part of the Zenit-2 series, it contributed to the development of space-based surveillance technology, which was crucial for military intelligence and strategic monitoring. The mission provided valuable data for future reconnaissance efforts, reinforcing the Soviet Union’s leadership in space exploration and military applications.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report