# Kosmos 9

> soviet reconnaissance satellite (Zenit 2-5)

**Wikidata**: [Q826681](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q826681)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kosmos_9)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/kosmos-9

## Summary
Kosmos 9 was a Soviet reconnaissance satellite launched on September 27, 1962, as part of the Zenit-2 series. It was designed for military surveillance and operated in a low Earth orbit before re-entering the atmosphere on October 1, 1962. The satellite was launched from Gagarin's Start using a Vostok-2 rocket.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: September 27, 1962
- **Launch Vehicle**: Vostok-2
- **Launch Site**: Gagarin's Start
- **Mass**: 4,700 kilograms
- **Orbital Period**: 103.1 minutes
- **Apoapsis**: 981 kilometers
- **Periapsis**: 829 kilometers
- **Orbital Inclination**: 67.6 degrees
- **Decay Date**: October 1, 1962
- **Manufacturer**: S.P. Korolev Rocket and Space Corporation Energia
- **Country of Origin**: Soviet Union

## FAQs
### Q: What was the purpose of Kosmos 9?
A: Kosmos 9 was a Soviet reconnaissance satellite designed for military surveillance, part of the Zenit-2 series.

### Q: How was Kosmos 9 launched?
A: Kosmos 9 was launched on September 27, 1962, from Gagarin's Start using a Vostok-2 rocket.

### Q: What was the orbital period of Kosmos 9?
A: Kosmos 9 had an orbital period of 103.1 minutes.

### Q: When did Kosmos 9 re-enter the atmosphere?
A: Kosmos 9 re-entered the atmosphere on October 1, 1962.

### Q: Who manufactured Kosmos 9?
A: Kosmos 9 was manufactured by S.P. Korolev Rocket and Space Corporation Energia.

## Why It Matters
Kosmos 9 was a significant milestone in the Soviet Union's early reconnaissance satellite program. As part of the Zenit-2 series, it contributed to the development of space-based surveillance capabilities, which were crucial for military intelligence during the Cold War. The satellite's successful launch and operation demonstrated the Soviet Union's advancements in space technology and its commitment to maintaining a strategic edge in space-based reconnaissance. Despite its brief operational life, Kosmos 9 provided valuable data and insights into the feasibility of using satellites for military purposes, paving the way for future reconnaissance missions.

## Notable For
- **First of its Kind**: One of the earliest Soviet reconnaissance satellites in the Zenit-2 series.
- **Military Surveillance**: Designed specifically for military intelligence and reconnaissance.
- **Low Earth Orbit**: Operated in a low Earth orbit, typical for reconnaissance missions.
- **Short Operational Life**: Re-entered the atmosphere just four days after launch, typical for early reconnaissance satellites.
- **Technological Advancement**: Contributed to the Soviet Union's growing expertise in space-based surveillance.

## Body
### Overview
Kosmos 9 was a Soviet reconnaissance satellite launched as part of the Zenit-2 series. It was designed for military surveillance and operated in a low Earth orbit. The satellite was launched on September 27, 1962, from Gagarin's Start using a Vostok-2 rocket.

### Technical Specifications
- **Mass**: 4,700 kilograms
- **Orbital Period**: 103.1 minutes
- **Apoapsis**: 981 kilometers
- **Periapsis**: 829 kilometers
- **Orbital Inclination**: 67.6 degrees

### Launch and Operation
- **Launch Date**: September 27, 1962
- **Launch Vehicle**: Vostok-2
- **Launch Site**: Gagarin's Start
- **Decay Date**: October 1, 1962

### Significance
Kosmos 9 was a critical part of the Soviet Union's early reconnaissance satellite program. It demonstrated the feasibility of using satellites for military intelligence and contributed to the development of space-based surveillance capabilities. The satellite's brief operational life provided valuable data and insights into the potential of space-based reconnaissance.

## References

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