# Kosmos 16

> soviet reconnaissance satellite (Zenit 2-10)

**Wikidata**: [Q1119586](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1119586)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kosmos_16)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/kosmos-16

## Summary
Kosmos 16 was a Soviet reconnaissance satellite, specifically a Zenit 2-10, launched on April 28, 1963. It was part of the Zenit-2 class of satellites designed for intelligence gathering. The satellite had a mass of 4730 kilograms and completed its mission with atmospheric re-entry on May 8, 1963.

## Key Facts
*   Kosmos 16 was a Soviet reconnaissance satellite of the Zenit-2 class.
*   It was launched on April 28, 1963, at 08:49:56 UTC.
*   The launch took place from Gagarin's Start.
*   Kosmos 16 had a mass of 4730 kilograms.
*   Its launch vehicle was the Vostok-2 rocket.
*   The satellite's orbital period was 90.4 minutes, with an apoapsis of 401 kilometers and a periapsis of 207 kilometers.
*   It had an orbital inclination of 65.02 degrees.
*   Kosmos 16's atmospheric entry occurred on May 8, 1963.
*   The manufacturer was S.P. Korolev Rocket and Space Corporation Energia.
*   Its COSPAR ID is 1963-012A and its SCN is 00571.

## FAQs
### Q: What was Kosmos 16?
A: Kosmos 16 was a Soviet reconnaissance satellite, specifically identified as a Zenit 2-10. It was part of the Zenit-2 class of spacecraft.

### Q: When was Kosmos 16 launched?
A: Kosmos 16 was launched on April 28, 1963, at 08:49:56 UTC.

### Q: What was the purpose of Kosmos 16?
A: Kosmos 16 was a reconnaissance satellite, indicating its primary purpose was intelligence gathering.

### Q: What was the mass of Kosmos 16?
A: Kosmos 16 had a mass of 4730 kilograms.

### Q: What rocket launched Kosmos 16?
A: Kosmos 16 was launched into orbit by a Vostok-2 rocket.

## Why It Matters
Kosmos 16 holds significance as an early Soviet reconnaissance satellite, forming part of the Zenit-2 program. In the context of the Cold War, the development and deployment of such satellites were critical for intelligence gathering and monitoring activities of rival nations. While its operational life was brief, lasting from April 28 to May 8, 1963, its mission contributed to the Soviet Union's evolving capabilities in space-based surveillance. Each successful launch, even those with short durations, provided invaluable data for refining satellite technology, orbital mechanics, and reconnaissance systems. Kosmos 16 represented a step in the Soviet Union's efforts to establish a robust space program with both scientific and strategic applications, demonstrating its growing prowess in space exploration and military intelligence.

## Notable For
*   Being an early Soviet reconnaissance satellite (Zenit 2-10).
*   Its launch from Gagarin's Start, a historically significant launch site.
*   Having a relatively short orbital duration, with atmospheric entry occurring just ten days after launch.
*   Being manufactured by S.P. Korolev Rocket and Space Corporation Energia.

## Body

### Mission Overview
Kosmos 16 was a Soviet reconnaissance satellite, designated as a Zenit 2-10. It was an instance of the Zenit-2 class of spacecraft. The satellite was manufactured by S.P. Korolev Rocket and Space Corporation Energia.

### Launch Details
*   **Launch Date:** 1963-04-28
*   **Launch Time (UTC):** 08:49:56
*   **Launch Site:** Gagarin's Start
*   **Launch Vehicle:** Vostok-2
*   **COSPAR ID:** 1963-012A
*   **SCN:** 00571

### Technical Specifications
*   **Mass:** 4730 kilograms

### Orbital Characteristics
*   **Apoapsis:** 401 kilometers
*   **Periapsis:** 207 kilometers
*   **Orbital Period:** 90.4 minutes
*   **Orbital Inclination:** 65.02 degrees

### Mission End
*   **Atmospheric Entry/Orbit Decay:** 1963-05-08

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report