# Cosmos 2344
**Wikidata**: [Q12753728](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q12753728)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/cosmos-2344

## Summary
Cosmos 2344 is a Russian military communications satellite launched on June 6, 1997. It belongs to the Araks class of satellites and was deployed using a Proton-K rocket from the Baikonur Cosmodrome. The satellite plays a role in Russia's strategic communication infrastructure.

## Key Facts
- Official designation: Cosmos 2344
- Alternate name: Kosmos 2344
- Launch date: June 6, 1997
- Launch time: 16:56:54 UTC
- Launch site: Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 200
- Launch vehicle: Proton-K
- Satellite class: Araks
- COSPAR ID: 1997-028A
- SCN (Space Command Number): 24827
- Instance of: Araks satellite class

## FAQs
### Q: What is Cosmos 2344?
A: Cosmos 2344 is a Russian military communications satellite launched in 1997. It is part of the Araks series, designed for secure strategic communications.

### Q: When was Cosmos 2344 launched?
A: Cosmos 2344 was launched on June 6, 1997, at 16:56:54 UTC from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan using a Proton-K rocket.

### Q: What type of satellite is Cosmos 2344?
A: Cosmos 2344 is classified as an Araks-class satellite, which is used by the Russian military for high-frequency communications and data relay purposes.

## Why It Matters
Cosmos 2344 represents a key component of Russia’s military space-based communication infrastructure during the post-Soviet era. As part of the Araks program, it contributes to enhancing command and control capabilities over long distances, particularly supporting nuclear forces and other strategic assets. Its deployment reflects ongoing efforts to modernize and maintain resilient communication networks critical to national defense systems. Satellites like Cosmos 2344 ensure secure and reliable transmission channels that are essential for coordination across geographically dispersed military units.

## Notable For
- Part of the operational Araks military satellite constellation
- Launched during a period of renewed emphasis on Russian military space programs
- Utilizes the proven Proton-K launch system, demonstrating continued reliance on legacy launch infrastructure
- Assigned a dual designation ("Kosmos" and "Cosmos") typical of classified or semi-classified Russian spacecraft
- Operates within a well-established orbital regime for strategic communications satellites

## Body
### Mission Overview
Cosmos 2344 was launched as part of Russia’s broader initiative to sustain and upgrade its military satellite communications network. Classified under the Araks program, these satellites support encrypted voice and data transmissions vital for strategic operations.

### Technical Classification
The satellite falls into the Araks category, known for their role in providing wideband communication services to the Russian Armed Forces. These platforms typically operate in highly elliptical orbits to maximize coverage over northern latitudes relevant to Russian territory and interests.

### Launch Details
- **Date**: June 6, 1997  
- **Time**: 16:56:54 UTC  
- **Location**: Baikonur Cosmodrome, Site 200  
- **Vehicle**: Proton-K  

This mission marked another successful use of the Proton-K launcher, which has been central to many Russian space activities since the Soviet era.

### Identification Codes
- **COSPAR ID**: 1997-028A  
- **SCN (Space Command Number)**: 24827  

These identifiers allow tracking and cataloging by international space monitoring organizations and databases such as Wolfram Alpha, which lists it under Entity["Satellite", "24827"].

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report