# Cosmos 2231
**Wikidata**: [Q12907613](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q12907613)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/cosmos-2231

## Summary
Cosmos 2231 is a Soviet/Russian Yantar-4K2 spy satellite launched on January 19, 1993, from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome. It was part of a reconnaissance program and was launched aboard a Soyuz-U rocket.

## Key Facts
- **Class**: Yantar-4K2 spy satellite
- **Launch Date**: January 19, 1993
- **Launch Vehicle**: Soyuz-U
- **Launch Site**: Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 43
- **Launch Time**: 14:49:01 UTC
- **COSPAR ID**: 1993-004A
- **SCN (NORAD ID)**: 22317
- **Aliases**: Kosmos 2231
- **Wikipedia Availability**: Available in Croatian, Macedonian, Montenegrin, and Serbian

## FAQs
### Q: What type of satellite was Cosmos 2231?
A: Cosmos 2231 was a Yantar-4K2 spy satellite, part of the Soviet/Russian reconnaissance program.

### Q: When and where was Cosmos 2231 launched?
A: It was launched on January 19, 1993, from Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 43, aboard a Soyuz-U rocket.

### Q: What was the launch time of Cosmos 2231?
A: The launch occurred at 14:49:01 UTC on January 19, 1993.

### Q: What is the COSPAR ID of Cosmos 2231?
A: Its COSPAR ID is 1993-004A.

### Q: Is Cosmos 2231 available on Wikipedia?
A: Yes, it has Wikipedia entries in Croatian, Macedonian, Montenegrin, and Serbian.

## Why It Matters
Cosmos 2231 was part of the Soviet/Russian Yantar-4K2 spy satellite program, which was designed for reconnaissance and intelligence gathering. Launched in 1993, it contributed to the broader effort of maintaining a space-based surveillance capability. The satellite's operation was part of a long-standing tradition of Soviet and later Russian space reconnaissance, ensuring continuous monitoring and data collection for national security purposes. While specific details of its mission are limited, it represents a standard entry in the Yantar series, which played a crucial role in Cold War-era and post-Soviet space activities.

## Notable For
- **First Launch of 1993**: One of the earliest satellite launches in the year, reflecting the continued Soviet/Russian focus on space-based reconnaissance.
- **Yantar-4K2 Class**: Part of a dedicated spy satellite series known for its reconnaissance capabilities.
- **Soyuz-U Launch**: Utilized the reliable Soyuz-U rocket, a variant of the Soyuz family known for its versatility in launching military and civilian payloads.
- **Plesetsk Launch Site**: Launched from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome, a key site for Soviet/Russian military and reconnaissance missions.

## Body
### Classification and Mission
Cosmos 2231 was a Yantar-4K2 satellite, a class of reconnaissance spacecraft developed by the Soviet Union and later operated by Russia. The Yantar series was specifically designed for intelligence gathering, likely equipped with optical or electronic surveillance systems. The satellite's mission was part of a broader effort to maintain a space-based surveillance network, supporting Cold War-era and post-Soviet strategic objectives.

### Launch Details
The satellite was launched on **January 19, 1993**, at **14:49:01 UTC** from **Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 43**. The launch vehicle was a **Soyuz-U**, a variant of the Soyuz rocket family known for its reliability and adaptability in launching military and scientific payloads. The Soyuz-U was particularly suited for deploying reconnaissance satellites due to its proven track record in delivering payloads to low Earth orbit.

### Identification and Tracking
Cosmos 2231 is also known by its **COSPAR ID (1993-004A)** and **SCN (NORAD ID: 22317)**. These identifiers are used by the international space community to track and catalog satellites. The satellite's designation as "Kosmos 2231" reflects its classification as part of the Soviet/Russian space program, where many reconnaissance satellites were given generic names to avoid public disclosure of their true purposes.

### Wikipedia Availability
The satellite has Wikipedia entries in **Croatian (hr)**, **Macedonian (mk)**, **Montenegrin (sh)**, and **Serbian (sr)**, indicating its historical significance and the interest it generated across the former Yugoslavia. The presence of these entries suggests that Cosmos 2231 was part of a broader reconnaissance effort that had regional implications.

### Legacy
While specific details about Cosmos 2231's mission are not widely documented, it is part of a long history of Soviet/Russian space reconnaissance. The Yantar-4K2 class, like many of its predecessors, played a critical role in maintaining a space-based intelligence capability. The satellite's launch and operation were part of a broader strategy to ensure continuous surveillance and data collection, supporting national security and strategic interests.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report