COSMOS 2101 (also known as Kosmos-2101) is a reconnaissance satellite designed for photographic film return launched on October 1, 1990, from the TYMSC launch site using Soyuz-U2 as the launch vehicle. The satellite was manufactured by TSSKB and operated under the same ownership. It has dimensions of 6.3 meters in length with a diameter of 2.7 meters and span of 6.3 meters. COSMOS 2101 had both its dry mass and launch mass at 3590 kg, was equipped with an Orlets-1 No. 2L payload for reconnaissance purposes, and featured a cylindrical shape with two pans. The satellite's mission lasted approximately 60 days.