# Cosmos 2343
**Wikidata**: [Q13566817](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q13566817)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/cosmos-2343

## Summary
Cosmos 2343 was a Soviet reconnaissance satellite launched on May 15, 1997, from the Baikonur Cosmodrome. It was part of the Orlets-1 class and was launched aboard a Soyuz-U rocket. The satellite's COSPAR ID is 1997-024A, and it is also known by its alias Kosmos 2343.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: May 15, 1997
- **Launch Vehicle**: Soyuz-U
- **Launch Site**: Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 31
- **Class**: Orlets-1 reconnaissance satellite
- **COSPAR ID**: 1997-024A
- **Alias**: Kosmos 2343
- **Significant Event**: Rocket launch at 12:10:00 UTC on May 15, 1997
- **Wikipedia Availability**: Available in Croatian, Macedonian, Serbian (Cyrillic), and Serbian (Latin) languages

## FAQs
### Q: What type of satellite was Cosmos 2343?
A: Cosmos 2343 was an Orlets-1 class reconnaissance satellite, designed for military surveillance purposes.

### Q: Which rocket launched Cosmos 2343?
A: The satellite was launched aboard a Soyuz-U rocket from the Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 31 on May 15, 1997.

### Q: What is the COSPAR ID of Cosmos 2343?
A: The COSPAR ID of Cosmos 2343 is 1997-024A.

### Q: Where can I find more information about Cosmos 2343?
A: Additional information is available in Wikipedia articles in Croatian, Macedonian, Serbian (Cyrillic), and Serbian (Latin) languages.

## Why It Matters
Cosmos 2343 was part of the Soviet Union's reconnaissance satellite program, which played a crucial role in military intelligence and surveillance. The Orlets-1 class satellites were designed to gather high-resolution imagery and other intelligence data. The launch of Cosmos 2343, along with other satellites in the Orlets series, contributed to the Soviet Union's ability to monitor global activities. Despite the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the legacy of these reconnaissance satellites continues to influence modern satellite technology and military intelligence operations.

## Notable For
- **Reconnaissance Capability**: As part of the Orlets-1 class, Cosmos 2343 was equipped for military reconnaissance, providing high-resolution imagery and intelligence data.
- **Soyuz-U Launch**: The satellite was launched using the Soyuz-U rocket, a variant of the Soyuz rocket family known for its reliability and versatility.
- **Baikonur Launch Site**: The launch took place at Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 31, a key site for Soviet and later Russian space launches.
- **COSPAR Identification**: The COSPAR ID (1997-024A) uniquely identifies Cosmos 2343 in the international satellite catalog.

## Body
### Overview
Cosmos 2343 was a Soviet reconnaissance satellite launched on May 15, 1997. It was part of the Orlets-1 class, which was designed for military surveillance and intelligence gathering. The satellite was launched aboard a Soyuz-U rocket from the Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 31.

### Launch Details
- **Launch Date**: May 15, 1997
- **Launch Time**: 12:10:00 UTC
- **Launch Vehicle**: Soyuz-U
- **Launch Site**: Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 31

### Satellite Classification
- **Class**: Orlets-1 reconnaissance satellite
- **COSPAR ID**: 1997-024A
- **Alias**: Kosmos 2343

### Wikipedia Availability
- **Languages**: Croatian (hr), Macedonian (mk), Serbian (Cyrillic, sh), Serbian (Latin, sr)

### Significance
The Orlets-1 class satellites were part of the Soviet Union's reconnaissance satellite program, which played a significant role in military intelligence. Cosmos 2343, along with other satellites in the series, contributed to the Soviet Union's ability to monitor global activities and gather intelligence data. The legacy of these satellites continues to influence modern satellite technology and military intelligence operations.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report