# Kosmos 1974

> Russian military early warning satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q3399327](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q3399327)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kosmos_1974)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/kosmos-1974

## Summary
Kosmos 1974 is a Russian military early warning satellite launched in 1988. It belongs to the US-K series of Soviet and Russian satellites designed for missile detection and forms part of the country's strategic defense infrastructure.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: October 3, 1988 ([reference](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q6272367))  
- **COSPAR ID**: 1988-092A ([reference](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q200386))  
- **Launch Vehicle**: Molniya-M rocket ([reference](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q6272367))  
- **Launch Site**: Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 41 ([reference](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q6272367))  
- **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN)**: 19554 ([reference](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q328))  
- **Class**: US-K series ([reference](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q6272367))  
- **Function**: Early warning for missile detection ([reference](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q328))  

## FAQs
### Q: What was the purpose of Kosmos 1974?  
A: Kosmos 1974 was designed as part of Russia's early warning system to detect potential missile threats, providing strategic defense capabilities.  

### Q: What rocket launched Kosmos 1974?  
A: It was launched aboard a Molniya-M rocket, a Soviet space launcher commonly used for military and scientific payloads.  

### Q: Where was Kosmos 1974 launched from?  
A: The satellite was launched from Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 41, a key Russian military spaceport.  

## Why It Matters  
Kosmos 1974 played a critical role in Russia's Cold War-era defense strategy by monitoring for incoming ballistic missiles. As part of the US-K series, it contributed to maintaining nuclear deterrence by ensuring early detection of potential attacks. These satellites were essential for national security, reducing response times in case of threats. Even today, early warning systems remain vital for global stability, preventing accidental conflicts through real-time surveillance.  

## Notable For
- **Military Application**: Part of Russia's strategic missile detection network.  
- **Cold War Legacy**: Reflects Soviet-era defense priorities and technological advancements.  
- **Launch Precision**: Deployed via the reliable Molniya-M rocket, known for its role in Soviet space missions.  

## Body  
### Launch Details  
- **Exact Launch Time**: October 3, 1988, at 22:23:39 UTC ([reference](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q6272367)).  
- **Site**: Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 41, a primary launch facility for Soviet/Russian military satellites.  

### Technical Specifications  
- **Series**: US-K, a class of early warning satellites operated by Russia ([reference](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q6272367)).  
- **Catalog Number**: Designated as satellite #19554 in the U.S. Space Command registry ([reference](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q328)).  

### Operational Context  
- **Role**: Detected missile launches using infrared sensors, relaying data to ground stations.  
- **Historical Significance**: Part of a broader network ensuring continuity in missile threat monitoring during geopolitical tensions.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report