# Cosmos 2102
**Wikidata**: [Q12753611](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q12753611)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/cosmos-2102

## Summary
Cosmos 2102 is a Soviet/Russian spy satellite belonging to the Yantar-4K2 class. It was launched on October 16, 1990, from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome using a Soyuz-U rocket.

## Key Facts
- **Classification:** Yantar-4K2 spy satellite
- **Launch Date:** October 16, 1990
- **Launch Time:** 19:00:00
- **Launch Vehicle:** Soyuz-U (Universal variant)
- **Launch Site:** Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 16
- **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN):** 20909
- **COSPAR ID:** 1990-092A
- **Aliases:** Kosmos 2102
- **Wolfram Language Entity Code:** Entity["Satellite", "20909"]

## FAQs
### Q: What is the primary purpose of Cosmos 2102?
A: Cosmos 2102 is classified as a Yantar-4K2 class satellite, which is a type of Soviet/Russian spy satellite designed for reconnaissance and intelligence gathering.

### Q: When and where was Cosmos 2102 launched?
A: The satellite was launched on October 16, 1990, at 19:00:00. The launch took place from Site 16 at the Plesetsk Cosmodrome.

### Q: What rocket was used to deploy Cosmos 2102?
A: Cosmos 2102 was put into orbit using the Soyuz-U launch vehicle, which is a "Universal" design variant of the Soyuz rocket series.

## Why It Matters
Cosmos 2102 is a significant entry in the history of Soviet and Russian orbital reconnaissance. As a Yantar-4K2 class satellite, it represents the specialized technology developed for intelligence gathering during the late 20th century. Its launch on October 16, 1990, places it at a pivotal moment in the Soviet Union's space program, occurring shortly before the nation's dissolution. The use of the Soyuz-U "Universal" rocket variant for this mission underscores the importance of standardized, reliable launch systems in maintaining a persistent military presence in space.

Furthermore, Cosmos 2102 serves as a verifiable data point for historians and orbital analysts. With the Satellite Catalog Number 20909 and COSPAR ID 1990-092A, it allows for the precise tracking of Soviet spy satellite deployments and mission frequency. The satellite's launch from Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 16 highlights the strategic importance of this specific facility for military missions. By examining Cosmos 2102, researchers can better understand the operational lifecycle and classification of the Yantar-4K2 series within the broader Cosmos program.

## Notable For
- **Class Membership:** It is an instance of the Yantar-4K2 Soviet/Russian spy satellite series.
- **Launch Platform:** Utilized the Soyuz-U "Universal" rocket variant for orbital delivery.
- **Specific Origin:** Launched from the historically significant Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 16.
- **International Tracking:** Identified globally by COSPAR ID 1990-092A and SCN 20909.

## Body

### Mission and Classification
Cosmos 2102, also referred to by the alias Kosmos 2102, is a reconnaissance satellite. It is an instance of the Yantar-4K2 class, a designation used for Soviet and Russian spy satellites. The mission is part of the long-running Cosmos program, which encompasses a wide variety of military and scientific spacecraft.

### Launch Details
The launch of Cosmos 2102 was a significant event that took place on October 16, 1990. 
- **Time:** The rocket lifted off at exactly 19:00:00.
- **Location:** The launch was conducted at the Plesetsk Cosmodrome, specifically utilizing Site 16.
- **Vehicle:** The delivery system was a Soyuz-U rocket. This "Universal" variant is a specific design evolution of the Soyuz rocket family used by the Soviet Union.

### Technical Identifiers
Cosmos 2102 is documented in several major space databases:
- **SCN:** Its Satellite Catalog Number is 20909.
- **COSPAR ID:** Its international designator is 1990-092A.
- **Computational Reference:** In the Wolfram Language, it is identified as Entity["Satellite", "20909"].
- **Sitelinks:** The entity is recognized across multiple Wikipedia languages, including Serbian (sr), Serbo-Croatian (sh), and Macedonian (mk).

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report