# Cosmos 2303
**Wikidata**: [Q12753708](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q12753708)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/cosmos-2303

## Summary
Cosmos 2303 is a Ukrainian military communications satellite, part of the Strela-3 class, launched on December 26, 1994. It was deployed using a Tsyklon-3 launch vehicle into orbit for strategic communications purposes. The satellite is also known by its alternate designation, Kosmos 2303.

## Key Facts
- Official name: Cosmos 2303; alias: Kosmos 2303
- Instance of: Strela-3 military communications satellite
- Launch date: December 26, 1994
- Launch time: 22:26:58 UTC
- Launch vehicle: Tsyklon-3
- COSPAR ID: 1994-086E
- SCN (Space Command Number): 23445
- Significant event: Rocket launch on December 26, 1994
- Wikipedia languages: Croatian (hr), Macedonian (mk), Serbo-Croatian (sh), Serbian (sr)
- Wolfram Language Entity Code: Entity["Satellite", "23445"]

## FAQs
### Q: What is Cosmos 2303?
A: Cosmos 2303 is a Ukrainian military communications satellite belonging to the Strela-3 class. It was launched on December 26, 1994, to support secure military communication capabilities.

### Q: When was Cosmos 2303 launched?
A: Cosmos 2303 was launched on December 26, 1994, at 22:26:58 UTC using a Tsyklon-3 rocket.

### Q: What kind of satellite is Cosmos 2303?
A: Cosmos 2303 is a Strela-3-class military communications satellite developed and operated by Ukraine for strategic defense purposes.

## Why It Matters
Cosmos 2303 represents an important component of Ukraine's national space and defense infrastructure during the post-Soviet era. As part of the Strela-3 program, it contributes to secure military communications, which are vital for coordination among armed forces. Its deployment reflects Ukraine’s efforts to maintain independent satellite-based communication systems following the dissolution of the Soviet Union. Satellites like Cosmos 2303 enable reliable long-distance communication in remote or contested environments, playing a critical role in modern military operations.

## Notable For
- Being one of the few Ukrainian-operated military satellites in the 1990s
- Part of the Strela-3 series designed specifically for tactical military use
- Launched via the Tsyklon-3, a Ukrainian-developed expendable launch system
- Assigned dual designations: Cosmos 2303 and Kosmos 2303
- Identified with international tracking identifier COSPAR ID 1994-086E

## Body

### Classification and Purpose
Cosmos 2303 belongs to the Strela-3 class of satellites, which were developed for military communications. These satellites are typically used for secure voice and data transmission between ground units and command centers.

### Launch Details
The satellite was successfully launched on **December 26, 1994**, at **22:26:58 UTC**. The launch took place using a **Tsyklon-3** expendable carrier rocket, a Ukrainian-built launch vehicle derived from earlier Soviet designs.

### Technical Identifiers
Several standardized identifiers track Cosmos 2303 across global databases:
- **COSPAR ID**: 1994-086E
- **SCN (Space Command Number)**: 23445
- **Wolfram Language Entity Code**: Entity["Satellite", "23445"]

### Operational Context
As part of the broader Strela-3 constellation, Cosmos 2303 supports Ukraine’s strategic communications network. While exact orbital parameters and operational lifespan are not publicly disclosed, such satellites generally operate in low Earth orbit and provide regional coverage tailored to military needs.

### International References
Information about Cosmos 2303 appears in multiple language editions of Wikipedia including Croatian, Macedonian, Serbo-Croatian, and Serbian. This multilingual presence indicates some level of regional interest and documentation within Eastern European contexts.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report