NEXT SPACEFLIGHT

Status

Success

Cosmos 2251

Launch Time
Wed Jun 16, 1993 04:17 UTC

Rocket

Cosmos-3M
Image Credit: OKB-586
VKS RF
Status: Retired
Liftoff Thrust: 1,486 kN
Payload to LEO: 1,500 kg
Payload to GTO: 0 kg
Stages: 2
Strap-ons: 0
Rocket Height: 32.42 m
Fairing Diameter: 2.44 m
Fairing Height: 5.72 m

Mission Details

Cosmos 2251

Cosmos 2251 satellite is a satellite of the Strela-2M constellation. These satellites operate as mailboxes: they remember the received messages and then resend them after scheduled time, or by command from the Earth. Some sources state the satellites are capable of only three months of active operation, but in accordance to others they can serve for about five years. The satellites are used for transmission of encrypted messages and images.
Cosmos 2251 collided with Iridium-33, which will become the first satellite collision in history.

Payloads: 1
Total Mass: 800.0 kg
Low Earth Orbit

Location

Site 132/1, Plesetsk Cosmodrome, Russia

Stats

1993

38th orbital launch attempt

Cosmos-3

432nd mission
4th mission of 1993
405th successful mission
14th consecutive successful mission