# Kosmos 50

> soviet reconnaissance satellite (Zenit 2-24)

**Wikidata**: [Q1119668](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1119668)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kosmos_50)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/kosmos-50

## Summary
Kosmos 50 was a Soviet reconnaissance satellite launched on October 28, 1964, as part of the Zenit-2 series. It was designed for military surveillance and operated until its atmospheric re-entry on November 17, 1964.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: October 28, 1964
- **Satellite Class**: Zenit-2 (model 2-24)
- **Launch Vehicle**: Vostok-2
- **Launch Site**: Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 31
- **Manufacturer**: S.P. Korolev Rocket and Space Corporation Energia
- **COSPAR ID**: 1964-070A
- **Orbit Decay**: November 17, 1964
- **SCN (NORAD ID)**: 00919

## FAQs
### Q: What was Kosmos 50 used for?
A: Kosmos 50 was a Soviet reconnaissance satellite designed for military surveillance, part of the Zenit-2 series.

### Q: When was Kosmos 50 launched?
A: Kosmos 50 was launched on October 28, 1964, from Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 31.

### Q: What was the launch vehicle for Kosmos 50?
A: The satellite was launched using a Vostok-2 rocket.

### Q: How long did Kosmos 50 remain in orbit?
A: Kosmos 50 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on November 17, 1964, after approximately one month in orbit.

### Q: Who manufactured Kosmos 50?
A: Kosmos 50 was manufactured by S.P. Korolev Rocket and Space Corporation Energia.

## Why It Matters
Kosmos 50 was part of the Soviet Union's early reconnaissance satellite program, contributing to military surveillance capabilities. As a Zenit-2 satellite, it represented a key component in the Soviet space program's efforts to develop advanced reconnaissance systems. Its relatively short operational lifespan highlights the challenges of maintaining satellites in orbit during the early days of space exploration. The mission provided valuable data for Soviet military intelligence while also serving as a testbed for future satellite designs.

## Notable For
- **First of its class**: One of the earliest Zenit-2 reconnaissance satellites launched by the Soviet Union.
- **Short operational life**: Re-entered Earth's atmosphere just one month after launch, typical of early satellite technology.
- **Military focus**: Designed specifically for reconnaissance, supporting Soviet military intelligence operations.
- **Vostok-2 launch**: Demonstrated the reliability of the Vostok-2 rocket for satellite deployment.

## Body
### Launch and Deployment
Kosmos 50 was launched on October 28, 1964, at 10:40:00 UTC from Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 31. The satellite was deployed using a Vostok-2 rocket, a Soviet carrier rocket designed for launching satellites into low Earth orbit.

### Satellite Design
Kosmos 50 belonged to the Zenit-2 series, a class of Soviet reconnaissance satellites. The Zenit-2 model (2-24) was specifically designed for military surveillance, providing high-resolution imagery for intelligence purposes.

### Operational Life
The satellite remained in orbit for approximately one month before re-entering Earth's atmosphere on November 17, 1964. This short operational period was common for early Soviet satellites due to limitations in orbital maintenance and satellite durability.

### Significance
Kosmos 50 played a role in the Soviet Union's early reconnaissance efforts, contributing to military intelligence capabilities. Its launch and operation were part of a broader program to develop advanced satellite technology for surveillance and reconnaissance missions. The satellite's relatively brief operational life provided insights into the challenges of maintaining satellites in orbit during the 1960s.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report