COSMOS 2338 (24726)

COSPAR: 1997-006B | Alt Name: Kosmos-2338

Image
COSMOS 2338 Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

February 14, 1997

Launch Site

PLMSC

Launch Pad

LC32/1

Launch Vehicle

Tsiklon-3

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

24726

International Designator

1997-006B

Epoch

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 03:34:17 GMT

Apogee

Calculating...

Perigee

Calculating...

Inclination

82.60°

Right Ascension

252.86°

Eccentricity

Calculating...

Argument of Perigee

62.35°

Period

114.16 min

Mean Motion

12.61 rev/day

Latitude

Calculating...

Longitude

Calculating...

Altitude

Calculating...

Velocity

Calculating...

Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info

Name

COSMOS 2338

Alternative Name

Kosmos-2338

Type

Payload

Status

Non-operational

Owner

VKS

Country

Russia

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs
1 24726U 97006B   26185.14880931  .00000040  00000-0  16390-3 0  9995
2 24726  82.5989 252.8592 0005992  62.3486 297.8212 12.61393833352618

Source: Celestrak

Summary
COSMOS 2338, also known as Kosmos-2338, is a military communication satellite launched on February 14, 1997, from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome LC32/1 using the Tsiklon-3 launch vehicle. The spacecraft has a bus configuration of Strela-3 and measures 1.6 meters in length, with a diameter of 0.8 meters and a span of 7 meters. It weighs 225 kilograms both at launch and dry mass. Manufactured by NPOPMR for the Russian Aerospace Forces (VKS), COSMOS 2338 is equipped with solar cells and batteries for power generation and has a shape described as cylindrical with antennas, featuring a radar cross-section of 0.9371 square meters. The satellite's primary purpose is military communication, and it operates in orbit without any specified major events or constellation associations listed.
Physical Characteristics

Length

1.6

Diameter

0.8

Span

7

Dry Mass

225

Launch Mass

225

Shape

Cyl + Ant

Radar Cross Section

0.9371

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

Strela-3

Purpose

Military Communication

Mission

Military Communication

Manufacturer

NPOPMR

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 27 Jun 2025

Space Brief 27 Jun 2025

Today's Space Brief covers potential changes in the procurement strategies for the Space Force, developments in missile detection technology, and budgetary impacts on space programs.

The Day We Lost Apollo 1

The Day We Lost Apollo 1

Fifty-eight years ago, a tragic fire during a routine test transformed spacecraft design and created the foundation of modern spaceflight safety culture

Space Brief 31 Oct 2024

Space Brief 31 Oct 2024

SpaceX achieves a new launch record with its Starlink mission, NASA's Perseverance rover captures eerie Martian winds, and Buzz Aldrin endorses Trump. Plus, discussions around space debris and military space tech agreements.

SpaceX Postpones Falcon Heavy Launch Carrying Secretive X-37B Spaceplane

SpaceX Postpones Falcon Heavy Launch Carrying Secretive X-37B Spaceplane

SpaceX delays the much-anticipated Falcon Heavy launch of the secretive X-37B military spaceplane, marking a significant moment in space exploration and military technology.

SpaceX Hits 600th Falcon 9 Launch, NASA SLS Leak Tests Struggle | KeepTrack Space Brief

SpaceX Hits 600th Falcon 9 Launch, NASA SLS Leak Tests Struggle | KeepTrack Space Brief

SpaceX reaches 600th Falcon 9 launch with Starlink 17-13 from Vandenberg. NASA SLS hydrogen leak repairs only partially successful. New book explores forces shaping space.

X Report 13 Mar 2025

X Report 13 Mar 2025

SpaceX scrubs Crew-10 launch due to hydraulics issue; successful Falcon 9 launch for NASA missions, and Texas supports SpaceX expansion.

X Report 28 Feb 2025

X Report 28 Feb 2025

SpaceX postpones Starship Flight 8, successfully launches Starlink satellites and two lunar missions.

Space Brief 27 Dec 2025

Space Brief 27 Dec 2025

Today's Space Brief covers a notable satellite deployment in LEO, a leadership shift in Blue Origin's defense wing, and ongoing recovery efforts for NASA's MAVEN orbiter.