# Kosmos 955

> Soviet signals intelligence satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q6433305](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q6433305)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kosmos_955)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/kosmos-955

## Summary
Kosmos 955 is a Soviet signals intelligence satellite launched on September 20, 1977, as part of the Tselina-D series. It was deployed into a low Earth orbit using a Vostok-2M rocket from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome, serving as a component of the Soviet Union's early warning and communications surveillance system.

## Key Facts
- **Class**: Part of the Tselina-D series of Soviet signals intelligence satellites.
- **Launch Date**: September 20, 1977.
- **Launch Vehicle**: Vostok-2M rocket.
- **Launch Site**: Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 43/4.
- **Orbital Parameters**:
  - **Apoapsis**: 664 km.
  - **Periapsis**: 631 km.
  - **Orbital Inclination**: 81.2°.
  - **Orbital Period**: 97.5 minutes.
- **COSPAR ID**: 1977-091A.
- **Instance of**: Tselina-D satellite model.

## FAQs
### Q: What was the purpose of Kosmos 955?
A: Kosmos 955 was a Soviet signals intelligence satellite designed to support early warning and communications surveillance, part of the Tselina-D series.

### Q: Which rocket launched Kosmos 955?
A: Kosmos 955 was launched by a Vostok-2M rocket from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 43/4 on September 20, 1977.

### Q: What was the orbital inclination of Kosmos 955?
A: The satellite had an orbital inclination of 81.2°, placing it in a polar or near-polar orbit.

### Q: How long was the orbital period of Kosmos 955?
A: The orbital period of Kosmos 955 was 97.5 minutes, typical for low Earth orbit satellites.

### Q: What is the significance of the Tselina-D series?
A: The Tselina-D series was a Soviet satellite program focused on signals intelligence, supporting early warning and communications surveillance for the military.

## Why It Matters
Kosmos 955 played a crucial role in the Soviet Union's early warning and signals intelligence capabilities. As part of the Tselina-D series, it contributed to the nation's ability to monitor communications and detect potential threats. The satellite's deployment in 1977 reflects the Cold War-era emphasis on space-based surveillance and intelligence gathering. Its orbital parameters and launch details provide insights into the technical and operational aspects of Soviet-era satellite programs.

## Notable For
- **Part of the Tselina-D series**: A key component of the Soviet Union's signals intelligence network.
- **Vostok-2M launch**: Demonstrated the reliability of this rocket in deploying intelligence satellites.
- **Low Earth orbit deployment**: Positioned for effective surveillance of communications signals.
- **Early Cold War-era satellite**: Represents the Soviet Union's efforts to maintain a technological edge in space-based intelligence.

## Body
### Classification and Series
Kosmos 955 is classified as a Tselina-D satellite, part of a series designed for signals intelligence. The Tselina-D program was integral to the Soviet Union's early warning and communications surveillance system.

### Launch Details
- **Launch Date**: September 20, 1977.
- **Launch Vehicle**: Vostok-2M, a Soviet expendable carrier rocket.
- **Launch Site**: Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 43/4, a key facility for Soviet space launches.

### Orbital Characteristics
- **Apoapsis**: 664 km, indicating a low Earth orbit.
- **Periapsis**: 631 km, typical for intelligence-gathering satellites.
- **Orbital Inclination**: 81.2°, suggesting a polar or near-polar orbit for global coverage.
- **Orbital Period**: 97.5 minutes, consistent with low Earth orbit dynamics.

### Identification and Tracking
- **COSPAR ID**: 1977-091A, used for international satellite tracking.
- **SCN (Satellite Catalog Number)**: 10362, assigned by the U.S. Space Command.

### Historical Context
Kosmos 955 was launched during the Cold War, reflecting the Soviet Union's investment in space-based intelligence. The satellite's deployment aligns with broader efforts to enhance military surveillance capabilities. Its orbital parameters and launch details provide a snapshot of Soviet-era space technology and operations.

## References

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