# Kosmos 48

> soviet reconnaissance satellite (1964)

**Wikidata**: [Q1119663](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1119663)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kosmos_48)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/kosmos-48

## Summary
Kosmos 48 was a Soviet reconnaissance satellite launched on October 14, 1964. It belonged to the Zenit-2 class and was part of the Soviet space program's reconnaissance efforts during the Cold War.

## Key Facts
- Kosmos 48 was a Soviet reconnaissance satellite launched on October 14, 1964.
- It belonged to the Zenit-2 class of satellites.
- The satellite had a mass of 4730 kilograms.
- It was launched from Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 31 at 10:00:00.
- Kosmos 48 was launched using a Vostok-2 rocket.
- The satellite had an orbital period of 89.4 minutes.
- It decayed on October 20, 1964, just 6 days after launch.
- Its COSPAR ID is 1964-066A.
- The satellite was manufactured by S.P. Korolev Rocket and Space Corporation Energia.

## FAQs
### Q: What was Kosmos 48?
A: Kosmos 48 was a Soviet reconnaissance satellite launched on October 14, 1964. It belonged to the Zenit-2 class and was part of the Soviet space program's reconnaissance efforts during the Cold War.

### Q: When and where was Kosmos 48 launched?
A: Kosmos 48 was launched on October 14, 1964, at 10:00:00 from Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 31. It was launched using a Vostok-2 rocket as part of the Soviet space program.

### Q: What was the purpose of Kosmos 48?
A: Kosmos 48 was a reconnaissance satellite designed for surveillance and intelligence gathering. As part of the Zenit-2 class, it was equipped with cameras and other sensors to capture images of Earth for military purposes.

### Q: How long did Kosmos 48 remain in orbit?
A: Kosmos 48 had a very short operational lifespan, decaying just 6 days after its launch on October 20, 1964. Its orbital period was 89.4 minutes during its brief time in space.

## Why It Matters
Kosmos 48 represents an important milestone in the Soviet space program's reconnaissance capabilities during the Cold War. As a Zenit-2 satellite, it contributed to the development of Soviet spy satellite technology, which played a crucial role in military intelligence gathering. The satellite's brief operational lifespan, though seemingly unsuccessful from a longevity perspective, provided valuable data on satellite performance and orbital mechanics that informed future missions. Kosmos 48 was part of a larger series of reconnaissance satellites that helped establish Soviet surveillance capabilities in space, contributing to the space race between the Soviet Union and the United States.

## Notable For
- Kosmos 48 had an exceptionally short operational lifespan, decaying just 6 days after launch on October 20, 1964.
- It was one of the early Soviet reconnaissance satellites in the Zenit-2 class, contributing to the development of Soviet spy satellite technology.
- The satellite had a relatively high mass of 4730 kilograms for its time, indicating advanced engineering capabilities.
- Kosmos 48 was launched during a critical period of the Cold War, when reconnaissance satellites were becoming increasingly important for national security.

## Body
### Basic Information
- Kosmos 48 was a Soviet reconnaissance satellite launched on October 14, 1964.
- It belonged to the Zenit-2 class of satellites.
- The satellite had a mass of 4730 kilograms.
- Its COSPAR ID is 1964-066A.
- It was manufactured by S.P. Korolev Rocket and Space Corporation Energia.

### Launch Details
- Kosmos 48 was launched on October 14, 1964, at 10:00:00.
- It was launched from Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 31.
- The launch vehicle was a Vostok-2 rocket.
- The launch was a significant event in the Soviet space program's reconnaissance efforts.

### Orbital Characteristics
- The satellite had an orbital period of 89.4 minutes.
- Its apoapsis was 284 kilometers.
- Its periapsis was 204 kilometers.
- The orbital inclination was 65.1 degrees.
- The orbital eccentricity was 0.00604.
- Kosmos 48 decayed on October 20, 1964, just 6 days after launch.

### Technical Specifications
- Kosmos 48 was part of the Zenit-2 satellite class.
- It was designed for reconnaissance and intelligence gathering purposes.
- The satellite was equipped with cameras and other sensors for surveillance.
- Its relatively high mass of 4730 kilograms indicated advanced engineering capabilities.

### Historical Context
- Kosmos 48 was launched during the Cold War, a period of intense space competition between the Soviet Union and the United States.
- It was part of the Soviet space program's efforts to develop reconnaissance satellite technology.
- The satellite contributed to the advancement of Soviet spy satellite capabilities.
- Despite its short operational lifespan, the mission provided valuable data for future satellite designs.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report