# Cosmos 2331
**Wikidata**: [Q12753723](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q12753723)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/cosmos-2331

## Summary
Cosmos 2331 (also known as Kosmos 2331) is a Soviet/Russian Yantar-4K2 spy satellite that was launched on March 14, 1996 from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome using a Soyuz-U rocket.

## Key Facts
- It is classified as a Yantar-4K2 spy satellite (instance_of: Yantar-4K2)
- Launched on March 14, 1996 (launch_date: 1996-03-14)
- Launched from Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 43/4 (start_point: Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 43/4)
- Used a Soyuz-U rocket as launch vehicle (launch_vehicle: Soyuz-U)
- Has the COSPAR ID 1996-016A (cospar_id: 1996-016A)
- Has the SCN identifier 23818 (scn: 23818)
- Is related to the Soviet/Russian spy satellite class Yantar-4K2

## FAQs
### Q: What is Cosmos 2331?
A: It is a Soviet/Russian Yantar-4K2 spy satellite launched in 1996.

### Q: When was Cosmos 2331 launched?
A: It was launched on March 14, 1996.

### Q: What rocket launched Cosmos 2331?
A: It was launched using a Soyuz-U rocket.

### Q: Where was Cosmos 2331 launched from?
A: It was launched from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 43/4.

## Why It Matters
Cosmos 2331 represents a component of the Soviet/Russian intelligence infrastructure during the post-Cold War era. As a Yantar-4K2 satellite, it was part of a series designed for reconnaissance purposes, providing intelligence gathering capabilities from space. The satellite's operation would have contributed to the strategic monitoring capabilities of the Russian military and intelligence agencies during the 1990s, reflecting the continued importance of space-based surveillance technology in national security operations.

## Notable For
- It is part of the Yantar-4K2 series, which was specifically designed for optical reconnaissance missions
- It represents the continued use of Soviet/Russian space technology for intelligence gathering purposes
- The satellite's launch demonstrates the operational capabilities of the Soyuz-U rocket system for military and intelligence payloads
- It carries the COSPAR designation 1996-016A, which is a standardized identifier for space objects
- The SCN identifier 23818 provides a unique catalog number for tracking and identification purposes

## Body
### Technical Specifications
Cosmos 2331 is a Yantar-4K2 satellite, which belongs to the Soviet/Russian spy satellite class. The satellite was launched on March 14, 1996 at 17:40:00 from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 43/4. The launch was conducted using a Soyuz-U rocket, which is a variant of the Soyuz rocket design.

The satellite carries the COSPAR ID 1996-016A and has the SCN identifier 23818. These identifiers are used for tracking and cataloging space objects. The satellite is classified as a Soviet/Russian spy satellite, indicating its primary purpose is reconnaissance and intelligence gathering.

The Yantar-4K2 series represents an evolution of the earlier Yantar-3K reconnaissance satellites, designed to provide high-resolution optical imagery from space. These satellites typically operate in low Earth orbit and use sophisticated optical systems to capture detailed images of ground targets.

The launch from Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 43/4 is significant as it was one of the primary launch sites for Soviet military and intelligence satellites. The timing of the launch in 1996 places it in the post-Cold War period when Russia continued to maintain and operate its space-based reconnaissance capabilities.

The satellite's operation would have contributed to the strategic monitoring capabilities of the Russian military and intelligence agencies, providing valuable intelligence on potential threats and geopolitical developments. The use of the Soyuz-U rocket for this mission demonstrates the reliability and versatility of this launch vehicle for both civilian and military space missions.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report