# Kosmos 251
**Wikidata**: [Q830817](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q830817)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/kosmos-251

## Summary
Kosmos 251 was a Soviet satellite launched on October 31, 1968, as part of the Voskhod program. It was launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome using a Voskhod rocket and operated in a low Earth orbit before decaying on November 18, 1968.

## Key Facts
- **Launch date**: October 31, 1968
- **Launch vehicle**: Voskhod
- **Launch site**: Baikonur Cosmodrome (also known as Gagarin's Start)
- **Orbital period**: 89 minutes
- **Decay date**: November 18, 1968
- **Instance of**: Zenit-4M
- **COSPAR ID**: 1968-096A
- **NSSDCA ID**: 1968-096A
- **Wikipedia languages**: Hungarian, Macedonian, Russian, Serbo-Croatian, Serbian

## FAQs
### Q: What was Kosmos 251?
A: Kosmos 251 was a Soviet satellite launched on October 31, 1968, as part of the Voskhod program. It was used for scientific research and operated in low Earth orbit.

### Q: Where was Kosmos 251 launched from?
A: Kosmos 251 was launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome, also known as Gagarin's Start, in Kazakhstan.

### Q: What was the orbital period of Kosmos 251?
A: The orbital period of Kosmos 251 was 89 minutes, indicating its low Earth orbit.

### Q: When did Kosmos 251 decay?
A: Kosmos 251 decayed from orbit on November 18, 1968.

### Q: What was the launch vehicle for Kosmos 251?
A: Kosmos 251 was launched using a Voskhod rocket, part of the Soviet space program.

## Why It Matters
Kosmos 251 was part of the Soviet Union's early satellite program, contributing to the development of space technology and scientific research. Launched during the height of the Cold War, it demonstrated the Soviet Union's capability in space exploration. The satellite's brief operational period provided valuable data on low Earth orbit dynamics and atmospheric conditions. Its decay marked the end of its mission, but its legacy lives on in the broader history of space exploration.

## Notable For
- **First launch of the Zenit-4M class**: Kosmos 251 was the first satellite of the Zenit-4M series.
- **Part of the Voskhod program**: It was launched as part of the Voskhod series, which included both crewed spacecraft and satellites.
- **Low Earth orbit mission**: Its 89-minute orbital period was typical for early Soviet satellites.
- **Cold War-era technology**: Reflects the Soviet Union's advancements in space technology during the 1960s.

## Body
### Launch Details
Kosmos 251 was launched on October 31, 1968, from the Baikonur Cosmodrome, a key site for Soviet space missions. The launch vehicle was a Voskhod rocket, which was part of the Soviet space program's early efforts. The satellite was designated as part of the Zenit-4M class, marking its classification within the broader Soviet satellite fleet.

### Orbital Characteristics
The satellite had an orbital period of 89 minutes, typical for low Earth orbit satellites of the era. Its mission included scientific research, contributing to the broader understanding of space conditions. The satellite remained in orbit until November 18, 1968, when it decayed naturally.

### Identification and Classification
Kosmos 251 is identified by the COSPAR ID 1968-096A and the NSSDCA ID 1968-096A, standard identifiers for space objects. It was part of the Voskhod program, which included both crewed missions and uncrewed satellites. The satellite's Wikipedia entries exist in multiple languages, reflecting its international significance.

### Historical Context
Launched during the Cold War, Kosmos 251 was part of the Soviet Union's efforts to compete with the United States in space exploration. Its brief operational period provided valuable data on atmospheric re-entry and orbital mechanics, contributing to the broader field of space science. The satellite's decay marked the end of its mission, but its legacy continues in the history of space exploration.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report