# Kosmos 396

> soviet photographic reconnaissance satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q6433294](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q6433294)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kosmos_396)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/kosmos-396

## Summary
Kosmos 396 was a Soviet photographic reconnaissance satellite launched on February 18, 1971. It was part of the Zenit-4M class and was launched from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome using a Voskhod rocket. The satellite's primary purpose was to conduct reconnaissance missions for the Soviet Union.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: February 18, 1971
- **Launch Vehicle**: Voskhod
- **Launch Site**: Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 43
- **Manufacturer**: S.P. Korolev Rocket and Space Corporation Energia
- **Class**: Zenit-4M
- **COSPAR ID**: 1971-014A
- **SCN (NORAD ID)**: 04959
- **Type**: Soviet photographic reconnaissance satellite

## FAQs
### Q: What was the purpose of Kosmos 396?
A: Kosmos 396 was a Soviet photographic reconnaissance satellite designed to conduct surveillance and imaging missions for the Soviet Union.

### Q: Which rocket was used to launch Kosmos 396?
A: The satellite was launched using a Voskhod rocket from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 43 on February 18, 1971.

### Q: Who manufactured Kosmos 396?
A: Kosmos 396 was manufactured by the S.P. Korolev Rocket and Space Corporation Energia.

### Q: What class of satellite was Kosmos 396?
A: Kosmos 396 belonged to the Zenit-4M class of satellites.

### Q: What was the COSPAR ID of Kosmos 396?
A: The COSPAR ID of Kosmos 396 is 1971-014A.

## Why It Matters
Kosmos 396 played a crucial role in the Soviet Union's reconnaissance satellite program, contributing to its efforts in military and intelligence surveillance. As part of the Zenit-4M class, it was designed to capture high-resolution images of strategic targets, supporting the Soviet military's operational needs. The satellite's launch and operation were part of a broader initiative to enhance the Soviet Union's space-based reconnaissance capabilities, which were critical during the Cold War era. Its successful deployment demonstrated the Soviet Union's advancements in satellite technology and its commitment to maintaining a robust space surveillance network.

## Notable For
- **First of its Class**: Kosmos 396 was one of the first satellites in the Zenit-4M series, marking an early milestone in Soviet reconnaissance satellite development.
- **Cold War Surveillance**: It was part of the Soviet Union's extensive reconnaissance satellite fleet, which was instrumental in monitoring global military activities.
- **Technological Advancement**: The satellite represented a significant step in the Soviet Union's efforts to improve the resolution and reliability of its reconnaissance capabilities.
- **Operational Success**: Kosmos 396 successfully completed its mission, contributing valuable intelligence data to the Soviet military.
- **Historical Significance**: As a part of the Kosmos series, it holds historical importance in the Soviet space program's legacy of satellite launches.

## Body
### Overview
Kosmos 396 was a Soviet photographic reconnaissance satellite launched on February 18, 1971. It was part of the Zenit-4M class and was launched using a Voskhod rocket from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 43. The satellite was manufactured by the S.P. Korolev Rocket and Space Corporation Energia.

### Mission Details
- **Primary Objective**: Conduct reconnaissance missions, including capturing high-resolution images of strategic targets.
- **Operational Period**: The satellite was operational as part of the Soviet Union's reconnaissance satellite network.
- **Contribution**: Kosmos 396 provided valuable intelligence data to support the Soviet military's strategic and operational requirements.

### Technical Specifications
- **Class**: Zenit-4M
- **Launch Vehicle**: Voskhod
- **Launch Site**: Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 43
- **Manufacturer**: S.P. Korolev Rocket and Space Corporation Energia
- **COSPAR ID**: 1971-014A
- **SCN (NORAD ID)**: 04959

### Historical Context
- **Cold War Era**: Launched during the height of the Cold War, Kosmos 396 was part of the Soviet Union's efforts to maintain a dominant space-based reconnaissance capability.
- **Reconnaissance Satellite Fleet**: The satellite was one of many in the Soviet reconnaissance satellite program, which included other notable missions like the Zenit series.
- **Technological Legacy**: Kosmos 396 represents a key development in the Soviet Union's space program, contributing to its advancements in satellite technology and reconnaissance capabilities.

### Significance
- **Military Intelligence**: Kosmos 396 played a vital role in providing the Soviet military with critical intelligence data, supporting its strategic and operational objectives.
- **Space Program Milestone**: As part of the Kosmos series, the satellite marked an important achievement in the Soviet Union's space exploration and reconnaissance efforts.
- **Cold War Surveillance**: The satellite was part of the broader Soviet reconnaissance satellite network, which was essential for monitoring global military activities during the Cold War.

## References

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