# Kosmos 52

> soviet reconnaissance satellite (Zenit 2-25)

**Wikidata**: [Q1119672](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1119672)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kosmos_52)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/kosmos-52

## Summary
Kosmos 52 was a Soviet reconnaissance satellite launched on January 11, 1965, as part of the Zenit-2 series. It was designed for military surveillance and operated from the Baikonur Cosmodrome using a Vostok-2 launch vehicle.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: January 11, 1965
- **Launch Vehicle**: Vostok-2
- **Launch Site**: Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 31
- **Manufacturer**: S.P. Korolev Rocket and Space Corporation Energia
- **Class**: Zenit-2 reconnaissance satellite
- **COSPAR ID**: 1965-001A
- **SCN (NORAD ID)**: 00968
- **Significant Event**: Rocket launch at 09:29:58 UTC on January 11, 1965

## FAQs
### Q: What was Kosmos 52 used for?
A: Kosmos 52 was a Soviet reconnaissance satellite designed for military surveillance, part of the Zenit-2 series.

### Q: Which rocket launched Kosmos 52?
A: Kosmos 52 was launched using a Vostok-2 rocket from the Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 31 on January 11, 1965.

### Q: Who manufactured Kosmos 52?
A: The satellite was manufactured by S.P. Korolev Rocket and Space Corporation Energia, a key Soviet aerospace company.

### Q: What is the significance of Kosmos 52?
A: Kosmos 52 was part of the Soviet Union's early reconnaissance satellite program, contributing to military intelligence gathering.

### Q: How does Kosmos 52 compare to other Soviet satellites?
A: Kosmos 52 was part of the Zenit-2 class, which was a dedicated reconnaissance satellite series, distinct from other Soviet satellite types.

## Why It Matters
Kosmos 52 played a crucial role in the Soviet Union's early reconnaissance satellite program, providing military intelligence through high-resolution imaging. Launched in 1965, it was part of the Zenit-2 series, which was designed to support strategic surveillance. The satellite's successful deployment demonstrated the Soviet Union's capability in space-based reconnaissance, contributing to Cold War-era military advancements. Its operation from the Baikonur Cosmodrome and use of the Vostok-2 launch vehicle highlighted the Soviet space program's technological prowess. Kosmos 52's mission underscores the strategic importance of space-based intelligence gathering during the Cold War era.

## Notable For
- **First Zenit-2 Launch**: Kosmos 52 was the first satellite of the Zenit-2 series, marking a significant milestone in Soviet reconnaissance satellite technology.
- **Military Surveillance**: It was part of the Soviet Union's early reconnaissance satellite program, providing critical intelligence for military operations.
- **Vostok-2 Launch**: The satellite's launch using the Vostok-2 rocket demonstrated the reliability of this Soviet launch vehicle for reconnaissance missions.
- **Baikonur Deployment**: Its operation from the Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 31 highlighted the strategic importance of this Soviet spaceport for military satellite launches.
- **Cold War Contribution**: Kosmos 52 was part of the Soviet Union's efforts to maintain a competitive edge in space-based intelligence during the Cold War.

## Body
### Overview
Kosmos 52 was a Soviet reconnaissance satellite launched on January 11, 1965, as part of the Zenit-2 series. It was designed for military surveillance and operated from the Baikonur Cosmodrome using a Vostok-2 launch vehicle.

### Launch Details
- **Launch Date**: January 11, 1965
- **Launch Time**: 09:29:58 UTC
- **Launch Site**: Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 31
- **Launch Vehicle**: Vostok-2

### Satellite Specifications
- **Class**: Zenit-2 reconnaissance satellite
- **Manufacturer**: S.P. Korolev Rocket and Space Corporation Energia
- **COSPAR ID**: 1965-001A
- **SCN (NORAD ID)**: 00968

### Mission Significance
Kosmos 52 was part of the Soviet Union's early reconnaissance satellite program, providing military intelligence through high-resolution imaging. Its successful deployment demonstrated the Soviet Union's capability in space-based reconnaissance, contributing to Cold War-era military advancements.

### Related Entities
- **Zenit-2 Class**: Kosmos 52 was part of the Zenit-2 series, a dedicated reconnaissance satellite family.
- **Vostok-2 Rocket**: The launch vehicle used for Kosmos 52, known for its reliability in Soviet reconnaissance missions.

### Historical Context
Launched in 1965, Kosmos 52 was part of the Soviet Union's efforts to maintain a competitive edge in space-based intelligence during the Cold War. Its operation from the Baikonur Cosmodrome and use of the Vostok-2 launch vehicle highlighted the Soviet space program's technological prowess.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report