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.
COSMOS 2556 (52713)
COSPAR: 2022-054A | Alt Name: Kosmos-2556
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
May 19, 2022
Launch Site
PLMSC
Launch Pad
LC43/4
Launch Vehicle
Soyuz-2-1A
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
52713
International Designator
2022-054A
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 21:02:53 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
97.63°
Right Ascension
151.25°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
67.54°
Period
94.35 min
Mean Motion
15.26 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
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Basic Satellite Info
Name
COSMOS 2556
Alternative Name
Kosmos-2556
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
VVKOV
Country
Russia
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 52713U 22054A 26200.87701197 .00001120 00000+0 46188-4 0 9995
2 52713 97.6297 151.2522 0001809 67.5376 292.6053 15.26254690231722
Source: Celestrak
Summary
COSMOS 2556, also known as Kosmos-2556, is a reconnaissance satellite operated by VVKOV and manufactured by ARSLO in Russia. It was launched on May 19, 2022, from the PLMSC launch site using a Soyuz-2-1A launch vehicle from LC43/4 pad. The satellite has dimensions of approximately 6 meters in length, with a diameter of 2.7 meters and spans about 10 meters when its solar arrays are deployed. It carries a Karat imaging system as part of the Bars-M No. 3L payload and is equipped with deployable solar arrays and batteries for power generation. The satellite's dry mass is 3,500 kilograms, and it had a launch mass of 3,700 kilograms. Its design includes two panoramic panels attached to a cylindrical body. COSMOS 2556 has an expected operational lifetime of five years and its mission is focused on optical reconnaissance.
Physical Characteristics
Length
6
Diameter
2.7
Span
10
Dry Mass
3500
Launch Mass
3700
Shape
Cyl + 2 Pan
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Bars-M No. 3L
Purpose
Reconnaissance, optical
Mission
Reconnaissance, optical
Manufacturer
ARSLO
Life Expectancy
5 years
Bus
Bars
Configuration
SVIT ?
Motor
AOCS
Equipment
Karat imaging system
Power System
2 deployable solar arrays, batteries
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
Map
Next Pass
Azimuth Elevation Time (Local)
Start Azimuth
Max Elevation
Stop Azimuth
Time Until
Pass Duration
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