Yantar-4K2M

Yantar-4K2M (Russian: Янтарь meaning amber), also known as Kobalt-M, is a type of Russian reconnaissance satellite and is the current operational member of the Yantar series of satellites. In common with most Yantar satellites the Kobalt-M uses film rather than digital cameras. This allows a better quality of photographs. The drawback is film cannot be sent to Earth so easily, so Yantar satellites require special way of delivery.

Yantar-4K2M
ManufacturerTsSKB
Country of originRussia
OperatorGRU
ApplicationsReconnaissance satellite
Specifications
BusYantar
Equipmentfilm camera
RegimeLow Earth Orbit
Production
StatusRetired
Launched10
Operational0
Retired10
Maiden launch24 September 2004 (Kosmos 2410)
Last launch5 June 2015 (Kosmos 2505)
Last retirement17 September 2015 (Kosmos 2505)
Related spacecraft
Derived fromYantar-4K2

The Kobalt-M is an improved version of the Kobalt satellite and the first one was launched as Kosmos 2410 in 2004. It returns three sets of film during its mission. The first two land in film return canisters (called SpK - Spuskayemaya Kapsula) and a final set of film returns in the satellite's special equipment module.[1][2][3][4] Image resolution is reportedly 30 cm.[4]

Ten satellites of this series were launched, the last one in 2015; no further orders are planned. Further reconnaissance missions are carried out by the Persona-class satellites.[4]

Launches
SatelliteLaunch Date[4]Landing Date[4]Mission Length
Kosmos 241024 September 200410 January 2005108 days
Kosmos 24203 May 200619 July 200676 days
Kosmos 24277 June 200723 August 200776 days
Kosmos 244514 November 200823 February 2009101 days
Kosmos 245029 April 200927 July 200989 days
Kosmos 246210 April 201021 July 2010102 days
Kosmos 247227 June 201124 October 2011119 days
Kosmos 248017 May 201224 September 2012130 days
Kosmos 24956 May 201402 September 2014119 days
Kosmos 2505[5]5 June 2015[5]17 September 2015104 days
gollark: Oh, this must be one of *those* versions.
gollark: Everyone knows that nuclear waste just goes into the ME network.
gollark: Unless you add other belts to the other side, this can only do 4 sciences.
gollark: I mostly use laser turrets due to easier logistics, but obviously you can't do that.
gollark: Defensive walls are maybe not important except on specific critical things or latergame. Just have turret coverage near important facilities.

References
  1. Podvig, Pavel (2005-11-23). "Kobalt-M and other reconnaissance satellites". Russian Strategic Nuclear Forces. Retrieved 2013-05-09.
  2. Podvig, Pavel; Zuang, Hui (2008). Russian and Chinese Responses to US Military Plans in Space (PDF). Cambridge, MA: American Academy of Arts and Sciences. ISBN 0-87724-068-X.
  3. Krebs, Gunter. "Yantar-4K2M (Kobalt-M, 11F695M ?)". Gunter's Space Page. Retrieved 2012-06-01.
  4. Zak, Anatoly (2012-09-28). "Kobalt-M satellite". Russian Space Web. Retrieved 2016-03-14.
  5. Russia conducts surprise Soyuz 2-1A launch carrying Kobalt-M NASASpaceFlight.com
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