# Kosmos 1903

> Russian military early warning satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q3398146](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q3398146)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kosmos_1903)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/kosmos-1903

## Summary
Kosmos 1903 is a Russian military early warning satellite launched in 1987. It belongs to the US-K series of Soviet and Russian satellites designed for missile detection and was launched aboard a Molniya-M rocket from Plesetsk Cosmodrome.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date:** December 21, 1987  
- **COSPAR ID:** 1987-105A  
- **Launch Vehicle:** Molniya-M rocket  
- **Launch Site:** Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 41  
- **Satellite Class:** US-K (Soviet/Russian early warning series)  
- **SCN (Satellite Catalog Number):** 18701  
- **Significant Event:** Rocket launch at 22:35:42 UTC  

## FAQs
### Q: What was the purpose of Kosmos 1903?  
A: Kosmos 1903 was a military early warning satellite designed to detect missile launches as part of Russia's strategic defense system.  

### Q: Where was Kosmos 1903 launched from?  
A: It was launched from Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 41, a major Russian spaceport used for military and scientific missions.  

### Q: What rocket carried Kosmos 1903 into orbit?  
A: It was launched aboard a Molniya-M, a Soviet-era rocket primarily used for military and communications satellites.  

## Why It Matters  
Kosmos 1903 played a critical role in Russia's early warning satellite network, contributing to Cold War-era missile detection capabilities. As part of the US-K series, it helped monitor potential ballistic missile threats, enhancing strategic defense readiness. Its launch underscored the technological competition between superpowers during the late 20th century, reflecting ongoing advancements in space-based surveillance.  

## Notable For  
- **Military Role:** Part of Russia's early warning system for missile detection.  
- **Cold War Context:** Launched during heightened US-Soviet tensions.  
- **Launch Vehicle:** Used the reliable Molniya-M rocket, a workhorse of Soviet space missions.  

## Body  
### Launch Details  
- **Date:** December 21, 1987  
- **Time:** 22:35:42 UTC  
- **Site:** Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 41  

### Technical Specifications  
- **Satellite Class:** US-K (early warning series)  
- **Catalog Number:** 18701  
- **COSPAR Designation:** 1987-105A  

### Related Systems  
- **Launch Vehicle:** Molniya-M (Soviet orbital rocket)  
- **Satellite Series:** US-K (predecessor to modern Russian early warning satellites)

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report