Yantar-4K2M
Yantar-4K2M (Russian: Янтарь meaning amber), also known as Kobalt-M, is a type of Russian reconnaissance satellite and is the current operational member of the Yantar series of satellites. In common with most Yantar satellites the Kobalt-M uses film rather than digital cameras. This allows a better quality of photographs. The drawback is film cannot be sent to Earth so easily, so Yantar satellites require special way of delivery.
| Manufacturer | TsSKB |
|---|---|
| Country of origin | Russia |
| Operator | GRU |
| Applications | Reconnaissance satellite |
| Specifications | |
| Bus | Yantar |
| Equipment | film camera |
| Regime | Low Earth Orbit |
| Production | |
| Status | Retired |
| Launched | 10 |
| Operational | 0 |
| Retired | 10 |
| Maiden launch | 24 September 2004 (Kosmos 2410) |
| Last launch | 5 June 2015 (Kosmos 2505) |
| Last retirement | 17 September 2015 (Kosmos 2505) |
| Related spacecraft | |
| Derived from | Yantar-4K2 |
The Kobalt-M is an improved version of the Kobalt satellite and the first one was launched as Kosmos 2410 in 2004. It returns three sets of film during its mission. The first two land in film return canisters (called SpK - Spuskayemaya Kapsula) and a final set of film returns in the satellite's special equipment module.[1][2][3][4] Image resolution is reportedly 30 cm.[4]
Ten satellites of this series were launched, the last one in 2015; no further orders are planned. Further reconnaissance missions are carried out by the Persona-class satellites.[4]
Launches
| Satellite | Launch Date[4] | Landing Date[4] | Mission Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kosmos 2410 | 24 September 2004 | 10 January 2005 | 108 days |
| Kosmos 2420 | 3 May 2006 | 19 July 2006 | 76 days |
| Kosmos 2427 | 7 June 2007 | 23 August 2007 | 76 days |
| Kosmos 2445 | 14 November 2008 | 23 February 2009 | 101 days |
| Kosmos 2450 | 29 April 2009 | 27 July 2009 | 89 days |
| Kosmos 2462 | 10 April 2010 | 21 July 2010 | 102 days |
| Kosmos 2472 | 27 June 2011 | 24 October 2011 | 119 days |
| Kosmos 2480 | 17 May 2012 | 24 September 2012 | 130 days |
| Kosmos 2495 | 6 May 2014 | 02 September 2014 | 119 days |
| Kosmos 2505[5] | 5 June 2015[5] | 17 September 2015 | 104 days |
References
- Podvig, Pavel (2005-11-23). "Kobalt-M and other reconnaissance satellites". Russian Strategic Nuclear Forces. Retrieved 2013-05-09.
- Podvig, Pavel; Zuang, Hui (2008). Russian and Chinese Responses to US Military Plans in Space (PDF). Cambridge, MA: American Academy of Arts and Sciences. ISBN 0-87724-068-X.
- Krebs, Gunter. "Yantar-4K2M (Kobalt-M, 11F695M ?)". Gunter's Space Page. Retrieved 2012-06-01.
- Zak, Anatoly (2012-09-28). "Kobalt-M satellite". Russian Space Web. Retrieved 2016-03-14.
- Russia conducts surprise Soyuz 2-1A launch carrying Kobalt-M NASASpaceFlight.com
