Cosmos 2251

Launch Success

Liftoff Time (GMT)

04:17:00

Wednesday June 16, 1993

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.

Low Earth Orbit

1 Payload

800 kilograms

Rocket

Retired
Cosmos-3M

Active 1967 to 2010

OKB-586 logo

Manufacturer

OKB-586

Rocket

Height: 32.42m

Payload to Orbit

LEO: 1,500 kg

GTO: 0 kg

Liftoff Thrust

1,486 Kilonewtons

Fairing

Diameter: 2.44m

Height: 5.72m

Stages

2

Launch Site

Site 132/1

Plesetsk Cosmodrome, Russia

Fastest Turnaround

2 days 5 hours

Stats

Cosmos-3


432nd

Mission

4th

Mission of 1993

1993


38th

Orbital launch attempt