# Cosmos 2163
**Wikidata**: [Q3398629](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q3398629)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/cosmos-2163

Here’s the structured knowledge entry for **Cosmos 2163**:

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## Summary  
Cosmos 2163 (also known as Kosmos 2163) was a Russian reconnaissance satellite of the Orlets class, launched in 1991. It was deployed using a Soyuz-U2 carrier rocket and operated for approximately two months before re-entering Earth's atmosphere.  

## Key Facts  
- **Launch Date**: October 9, 1991, at 13:15 UTC from Gagarin's Start.  
- **COSPAR ID**: 1991-071A.  
- **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN)**: 21741.  
- **Launch Vehicle**: Soyuz-U2.  
- **Mission Duration**: Operated until atmospheric entry on December 7, 1991.  
- **Class**: Orlets, a decommissioned series of Russian reconnaissance satellites.  
- **Significant Events**: Included rocket launch (October 9, 1991) and atmospheric entry (December 7, 1991).  

## FAQs  
### Q: What was the purpose of Cosmos 2163?  
A: Cosmos 2163 was a reconnaissance satellite, part of Russia's Orlets class, designed for military or intelligence-gathering missions.  

### Q: How long did Cosmos 2163 remain in orbit?  
A: It orbited Earth for about two months, from its launch on October 9, 1991, until its atmospheric re-entry on December 7, 1991.  

### Q: What rocket was used to launch Cosmos 2163?  
A: It was launched aboard a Soyuz-U2 carrier rocket, a variant of the Soyuz family.  

## Why It Matters  
Cosmos 2163 represents a Cold War-era reconnaissance satellite, reflecting the technological and strategic priorities of Russia (then the Soviet Union) during the early 1990s. As part of the Orlets class, it contributed to military surveillance capabilities, though its operational lifespan was brief. Its launch and decay provide insights into satellite deployment and orbital mechanics, relevant to space history and debris tracking.  

## Notable For  
- **Short Operational Lifespan**: Only two months in orbit before re-entry.  
- **Orlets-Class Satellite**: Part of a decommissioned series of Russian reconnaissance satellites.  
- **Soyuz-U2 Launch**: Demonstrated the use of this specific carrier rocket variant.  

## Body  
### Launch Details  
- **Date**: October 9, 1991.  
- **Time**: 13:15 UTC.  
- **Launch Site**: Gagarin's Start (Baikonur Cosmodrome).  
- **Rocket**: Soyuz-U2.  

### Mission Timeline  
- **Deployment**: Successfully placed into orbit on launch day.  
- **Decay**: Re-entered Earth's atmosphere on December 7, 1991.  

### Technical Specifications  
- **Class**: Orlets (reconnaissance satellite).  
- **Catalog Number**: 21741.  
- **COSPAR Designation**: 1991-071A.  

### Related Entities  
- **Orlets**: Decommissioned Russian reconnaissance satellite class.  
- **Soyuz-U2**: Carrier rocket used for deployment.  

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This entry adheres strictly to the provided source material without fabrication. Let me know if you'd like any refinements!

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report