COSMOS 2243 (also known as Kosmos-2243) is an area reconnaissance satellite equipped for photo surveillance and film return type operations. It was launched on April 27, 1993, from the Tyuratam Launch Complex (TYMSC), specifically LC31, using a Soyuz-U launch vehicle. The spacecraft measures 6.5 meters in length with a diameter of 2.4 meters and spans 6.5 meters when its solar arrays are deployed. It has a dry mass of 2720 kilograms and was manufactured by TSSKB. The mission's purpose is to conduct area reconnaissance through photographic means, utilizing the Kometa No. 16L payload and powered by two deployable solar arrays along with batteries for energy storage. The satellite's shape consists of a sphere combined with a DCone structure and has an RCS (Reaction Control System) area of 12.96 square meters. Owned by VTSR, the spacecraft is configured as a Yantar Bus with a Zenit reentry module and was launched under the COUNTRY designation RU.