COSMOS 2251

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COSMOS 2251 is classified as:

Strela

NORAD ID: 22675

Int'l Code: 1993-036A

Launch date: June 16, 1993
Source: Commonwealth of Independent States (former USSR) (CIS)
Launch site: PLESETSK MISSILE AND SPACE COMPLEX (PKMTR)

The lowest level of the three-tier communications satellite constellation is now populated with two distinct systems devoted to military and government communications. Both systems are assessed to be simple store-dump repeaters which were particularly useful in relaying non-essential traffic between the Russian Federation and overseas stations of forces. The first Strela (which means "Arrow" in Russian) system debuted in 1970 and consisted of 750-1000 kg satellites deployed at mean altitudes of 800 km in three orbital planes inclined 74 degrees to the equator and spaced 120 degrees apart. These Strela 2 spacecraft were launched separately by the Kosmos launch vehicle from the Plesetsk cosmodrome into each orbital plane at intervals of 24-36 months. The activity of these satellites could be monitored via a characteristic CW beacon emitted on a frequency of 153.660 MHz. On 10 February 2009 at approximately 16:56 UT the Cosmos 2251 satellite collided with Iridium 33 (1997-051C). The collision took place at about 800 km altitude.