COSMOS 2343 (24805)

COSPAR: 1997-024A | Alt Name: Kosmos-2343

DECAYED

Image

Additional Sources

Launch Details

Launch Date

May 15, 1997

Launch Site

Tyuratam Missile and Space Complex

Launch Pad

LC31

Launch Vehicle

Soyuz-U

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

24805

International Designator

1997-024A

Decay Date

9/18/1997

Basic Satellite Info

Name

COSMOS 2343

Alternative Name

Kosmos-2343

Type

Payload

Status

Decayed

Owner

VKS

Country

Russia

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Summary

COSMOS 2343, also known as Kosmos-2343, is a reconnaissance satellite launched by Russia on May 15, 1997, from the TYMSC launch site using the Soyuz-U launch vehicle at LC31. The spacecraft measures 6.3 meters in length with a diameter of 2.7 meters and has a span of 6.3 meters, indicating it likely deploys solar panels or other appendages. It was manufactured by PROGT for use by VKS (Russian Air Force) as part of its reconnaissance capabilities, specifically for photo (film return) missions. The satellite has a dry mass of 3590 kg and the same launch mass. Its shape is described as cylindrical with two panels, and it has an RCS value of 29.4087. COSMOS 2343 was equipped with the Don No. 6L payload for its mission purposes and had a planned lifetime of 60 days.

Physical Characteristics

Length

6.3

Diameter

2.7

Span

6.3

Dry Mass

3590

Launch Mass

3590

Shape

Cyl + 2 Pan

Radar Cross Section

29.4087

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

Don No. 6L

Purpose

Reconnaissance, photo (film return)

Mission

Reconnaissance, photo (film return)

Manufacturer

PROGT

Life Expectancy

60 days

Bus

Orlets

Configuration

Unknown

Motor

Unknown

Equipment

Unknown

Power System

Unknown

ADCS

Unknown

Transmitter Frequency

Unknown

Satellite Articles

View All Posts »

Learn more about satellites and other related topics.

Tianlong-3 Fails on Debut; SpaceX Wins $178.5M Space Force Contract | KeepTrack Space Brief

China's Tianlong-3 rocket failed during ascent on debut launch Friday. SpaceX secured $178.5M Space Force contract for missile tracking satellite launches beginning 2027.

X Report 27 Mar 2025

SpaceX successfully launches 27 Starlink satellites and gains approval for internet services in Vietnam.

Space Brief 22 Jun 2025

Today's briefing covers a last-minute abort of a SpaceX Starlink launch, NASA's preparation for hypersonic tests, Airbus's progress in its space business, and more exciting developments in satellite tracking and reusable spaceflight.

The Evolution of Space Stations

A brief journey through the evolution of space stations, delving into Russia's Mir, the International Space Station, China's Tiangong, and envisioning the future of orbital habitats.

Space Brief 18 Sep 2025

Today's coverage includes China's recent satellite launch, the Space Force's challenges with current tracking capabilities, and advancements in nuclear propulsion from Ohio State.

Space Brief 18 Apr 2025

Today's highlights include a Minotaur IV launch of U.S. spy satellites, Rocket Lab's new defense contracts, and the unveiling of Space Force's warfighting framework. Plus, the Satellite Spotlight dives into METEOR 3-1.

X Report 3 Nov 2025

SpaceX completed a successful Bandwagon rideshare mission, launching a private space station pathfinder along with multiple satellites, marking another significant milestone in 2025's launch schedule.

Space Brief 27 Jul 2025

Busy activities in space: SpaceX's series of Starlink launches dominate the week, while Vega C successfully deploys Earth science satellites.