# Kosmos 672

> USSR spacecraft

**Wikidata**: [Q1785062](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1785062)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kosmos_672)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/kosmos-672

## Summary
Kosmos 672 was an uncrewed Soviet space mission launched on August 12, 1974, as part of the Soyuz programme. This Soyuz 7K-TM spacecraft variant orbited Earth for approximately 8543 minutes before landing on August 18, 1974.

## Key Facts
- Kosmos 672 was launched on August 12, 1974, at 06:25:02 from Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 31
- The spacecraft was part of the Soyuz programme and operated by the Soviet space program
- Kosmos 672 is a Soyuz 7K-TM variant, a specialized version of the second-generation Soyuz spacecraft
- The mission lasted for 8543 minutes (approximately 142 hours) before landing on August 18, 1974
- The spacecraft was launched using a Soyuz-U rocket and maintained a low Earth orbit with an inclination of 51.7 degrees
- Kosmos 672 has the COSPAR ID 1974-064A and serial number 07413
- The spacecraft is documented in multiple Wikipedia languages including English, German, Japanese, and others

## FAQs
### Q: What was the purpose of the Kosmos 672 mission?
A: Kosmos 672 was an uncrewed test flight of the Soyuz 7K-TM spacecraft variant, which was being developed for the Apollo-Soyuz Test Project. The mission validated the spacecraft's systems and capabilities in preparation for future crewed missions.

### Q: How long did Kosmos 672 stay in space?
A: Kosmos 672 remained in orbit for 8543 minutes, which is approximately 142 hours or nearly 6 days, before successfully landing back on Earth on August 18, 1974.

### Q: What rocket launched Kosmos 672?
A: Kosmos 672 was launched using a Soyuz-U rocket, a variant of the Soyuz rocket design, from Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 31 on August 12, 1974.

### Q: Was Kosmos 672 part of any specific space program?
A: Yes, Kosmos 672 was part of the Soviet Soyuz programme, which was a series of spacecraft used for various purposes including crewed missions, cargo transport, and technology testing.

### Q: What is the relationship between Kosmos 672 and the Soyuz 7K-TM?
A: Kosmos 672 was specifically a Soyuz 7K-TM spacecraft variant, which was a specialized version of the second-generation Soyuz spacecraft developed between 1974-1976.

## Why It Matters
Kosmos 672 represents a significant milestone in Soviet space exploration as part of the Soyuz programme's development of the 7K-TM variant. This uncrewed test flight was particularly crucial for preparing the spacecraft for the historic Apollo-Soyuz Test Project, the first international human spaceflight mission where American astronauts and Soviet cosmonauts docked in space. The mission validated critical systems, orbital mechanics, and re-entry procedures that would later enable the successful joint mission with NASA in 1975. As part of the broader Cold War space race, Kosmos 672 demonstrated the Soviet Union's continued commitment to advancing spacecraft technology and maintaining parity with American space capabilities.

## Notable For
- Being a precursor to the Apollo-Soyuz Test Project, the first international human spaceflight mission
- Utilizing the Soyuz 7K-TM variant, a specialized adaptation of the Soyuz spacecraft designed for docking capabilities
- Operating in low Earth orbit with an inclination of 51.7 degrees, which was typical for Soviet spacecraft launched from Baikonur
- Having an unusually long mission duration for its time at 8543 minutes (nearly 6 days)
- Being documented across 10 different Wikipedia languages, indicating its international significance and recognition

## Body
### Basic Information
Kosmos 672 was an uncrewed Soviet spacecraft launched on August 12, 1974, with the COSPAR ID 1974-064A. The spacecraft was part of the Soyuz programme and was operated by the Soviet space program. It has been assigned the serial number 07413 and is referenced in Wolfram as Entity["Satellite", "07413"].

### Technical Specifications
- **Spacecraft Type**: Soyuz 7K-TM (variant of the second-generation Soyuz spacecraft, 1974-1976)
- **Launch Vehicle**: Soyuz-U rocket variant
- **Launch Site**: Baikonur Cosmodrome, Site 31
- **Orbit**: Low Earth orbit with 51.7 degrees inclination
- **Mission Duration**: 8543 minutes (approximately 142 hours)
- **Launch Date**: August 12, 1974 at 06:25:02
- **Landing Date**: August 18, 1974

### Mission Objectives
As part of the Soyuz programme, Kosmos 672 served as a test flight for the Soyuz 7K-TM variant. This specialized version was being developed with enhanced docking capabilities to support the Apollo-Soyuz Test Project, which would later enable the historic joint mission between the United States and Soviet Union in 1975. The mission successfully validated the spacecraft's systems, orbital performance, and re-entry procedures.

### International Recognition
Kosmos 672 is documented in multiple languages on Wikipedia, including Bulgarian, Czech, German, English, Spanish, Galician, Hungarian, Italian, Japanese, and Macedonian, reflecting its significance in the history of space exploration beyond Soviet borders. The spacecraft has 14 site links across different language versions of Wikipedia, indicating substantial coverage and interest in this mission.

## References

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