COSMOS 2253 (22688)

COSPAR: 1993-038B | Alt Name: Kosmos-2253

Image
COSMOS 2253 Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

June 24, 1993

Launch Site

PLMSC

Launch Pad

LC32/1

Launch Vehicle

Tsiklon-3

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

22688

International Designator

1993-038B

Epoch

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 02:24:53 GMT

Apogee

Calculating...

Perigee

Calculating...

Inclination

82.59°

Right Ascension

246.57°

Eccentricity

Calculating...

Argument of Perigee

335.59°

Period

114.14 min

Mean Motion

12.62 rev/day

Latitude

Calculating...

Longitude

Calculating...

Altitude

Calculating...

Velocity

Calculating...

Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info

Name

COSMOS 2253

Alternative Name

Kosmos-2253

Type

Payload

Status

Unknown

Owner

VKS

Country

Russia

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs
1 22688U 93038B   26185.10061392  .00000032  00000-0  11857-3 0  9993
2 22688  82.5855 246.5707 0010928 335.5897  24.4675 12.61601961520639

Source: Celestrak

Summary
COSMOS 2253 (also known as Kosmos-2253) is a military communication satellite built by NPOPM and launched on June 24, 1993, from the PLMSC launch site using LC32/1 pad with a Tsiklon-3 launch vehicle. The satellite has a length of 1.6 meters, diameter of 0.8 meters, and a span of 7 meters. It weighs 225 kilograms at launch and is powered by solar cells and batteries. Its shape is described as cylindrical with antennas, with a reflective surface area (RCS) of 0.9487 square meters. The satellite's payload includes the Strela-3 communication system for military use and it was owned by VKS.
Physical Characteristics

Length

1.6

Diameter

0.8

Span

7

Dry Mass

225

Launch Mass

225

Shape

Cyl + Ant

Radar Cross Section

0.9487

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

Strela-3

Purpose

Military Communication

Mission

Military Communication

Manufacturer

NPOPM

Life Expectancy

Unknown

Bus

Strela-3

Configuration

Unknown

Motor

Unknown

Equipment

Unknown

Power System

Solar cells, batteries

ADCS

Unknown

Transmitter Frequency

Unknown

Map
This tool will help you track the satellite's position and predict its upcoming passes over your location. Simply input the coordinates or click the geolocation button to get started.
Next Pass
Azimuth Elevation Time (Local)
Start Azimuth
Max Elevation
Stop Azimuth
Time Until
Pass Duration

Satellite Articles

View All Posts »

Learn more about satellites and other related topics.

Space Brief 8 Aug 2025

Space Brief 8 Aug 2025

Today's brief highlights significant shifts in military space spending due to the Golden Dome program, the U.S. Space Force's advancements in tactical satellite communications, and NASA's race to nuclear power in space.

X Report 7 Apr 2025

X Report 7 Apr 2025

SpaceX prepares for another Starlink launch today, following a successful deployment over the weekend from Florida's Space Coast.

X Report 14 Apr 2025

X Report 14 Apr 2025

SpaceX sets a new reuse record with Falcon 9's 27th flight, continuing its Starlink deployment while facing challenges with Starship development.

Space Brief 28 Apr 2025

Space Brief 28 Apr 2025

Today's highlights include SpaceX's 250th Starlink mission, a key Senate vote for NASA's next administrator, and insights into satellite missions and movements.

X Report 14 Nov 2024

X Report 14 Nov 2024

SpaceX prepares for Starship Flight 6 as it readies another doubleheader Starlink launch day, while NASA navigates a complex presidential transition.

US Military Likely Jamming Iran Satellite Comms | KeepTrack Space Brief

US Military Likely Jamming Iran Satellite Comms | KeepTrack Space Brief

US military praised for space operations against Iran assessed as jamming or spoofing satellite communications. Electronic warfare effects invisible to orbital tracking data.

NROL-179 Starshield Satellites Launch from Vandenberg | KeepTrack X Report

NROL-179 Starshield Satellites Launch from Vandenberg | KeepTrack X Report

SpaceX launched NROL-179 from Vandenberg at 1:50 a.m. PDT June 19, carrying Starshield spy satellites for the National Reconnaissance Office.

Pentagon Allocates $8B for Space-Based Moving Target Tracking | KeepTrack Space Brief

Pentagon Allocates $8B for Space-Based Moving Target Tracking | KeepTrack Space Brief

Pentagon requests $8 billion for space-based moving target tracking constellation in FY2027 budget. New NORAD IDs expected as Space Force expands orbital ISR capabilities.