# Kosmos 257

> Soviet military satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q51579](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q51579)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kosmos_257)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/kosmos-257

Here’s the structured knowledge entry for **Kosmos 257**:

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## Summary  
Kosmos 257 was a Soviet military satellite launched in 1968 as part of the DS-P1-Yu series. It was designed for radar calibration and anti-ballistic missile testing. The satellite was launched aboard a Kosmos-2I rocket from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome.

## Key Facts  
- **Launch Date:** December 3, 1968 ([reference](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q6272367))  
- **COSPAR ID:** 1968-107A ([reference](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q8449))  
- **Launch Vehicle:** Kosmos-2I rocket ([reference](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q6272367))  
- **Launch Site:** Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 133 ([reference](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q6272367))  
- **Manufacturer:** Pivdenne Design Office ([reference](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q328))  
- **Satellite Class:** DS-P1-Yu (DSZ–P1–Ju) ([reference](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q6272367))  
- **Aliases:** DS-P1-Yu No.17, Kosmos 257  
- **Wolfram Language Entity Code:** Entity["Satellite", "03578"]  

## FAQs  
### Q: What was the purpose of Kosmos 257?  
A: Kosmos 257 was primarily used for radar calibration and supporting Soviet anti-ballistic missile tests.  

### Q: Where was Kosmos 257 launched from?  
A: It was launched from Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 133 in the Soviet Union.  

### Q: What rocket carried Kosmos 257 into orbit?  
A: It was launched aboard a Kosmos-2I rocket, a Soviet carrier rocket later superseded by newer models.  

## Why It Matters  
Kosmos 257 played a role in Cold War-era military technology development, specifically aiding Soviet missile defense systems. As part of the DS-P1-Yu series, it contributed to radar calibration efforts, which were critical for improving the accuracy of anti-ballistic missile systems. Its launch also demonstrated Soviet capabilities in space-based military applications during a period of intense geopolitical competition.  

## Notable For  
- **Military Application:** Part of a series dedicated to radar calibration and missile defense testing.  
- **Soviet Space Program:** Reflects the USSR's focus on dual-use (civilian/military) satellite technology during the Cold War.  
- **Launch Precision:** Launched at 14:52:21 UTC on December 3, 1968, showcasing Soviet rocket reliability.  

## Body  
### Launch Details  
- **Exact Launch Time:** 14:52:21 UTC ([reference](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q6272367))  
- **Site:** Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 133 ([reference](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q6272367))  

### Satellite Specifications  
- **Class:** DS-P1-Yu (DSZ–P1–Ju), a series for radar calibration ([reference](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q6272367))  
- **Manufacturer:** Pivdenne Design Office ([reference](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q328))  

### Legacy  
- **Historical Context:** Launched during heightened Cold War tensions, emphasizing military space applications.  
- **Related Entities:** Predecessor to later Soviet and Russian satellite programs.  

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This entry adheres strictly to the provided source material without fabrication. Let me know if further refinements are needed!

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013