# Cosmos 2420
**Wikidata**: [Q13566833](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q13566833)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/cosmos-2420

## Summary
Cosmos 2420 is a Russian spy satellite belonging to the Yantar-4K2M class. It was launched on May 3, 2006, from Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 16. The satellite was carried into orbit by a Soyuz-U rocket.

## Key Facts
- Cosmos 2420 is classified as a Yantar-4K2M class Russian spy satellite.
- It was launched on May 3, 2006.
- The launch vehicle used was a Soyuz-U rocket.
- The satellite was launched from Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 16.
- Its COSPAR ID is 2006-017A.
- Its Satellite Catalog Number (SCN) is 29111.
- It is also known by the alias Kosmos 2420.

## FAQs
### Q: What is Cosmos 2420?
A: Cosmos 2420 is a Russian spy satellite. It is specifically an instance of the Yantar-4K2M class of satellites.

### Q: When was Cosmos 2420 launched?
A: Cosmos 2420 was launched on May 3, 2006. The launch occurred at 17:38:01.

### Q: What type of satellite is Cosmos 2420?
A: Cosmos 2420 is a Yantar-4K2M class satellite, which is a type of Russian spy satellite.

### Q: Where was Cosmos 2420 launched from?
A: Cosmos 2420 was launched from Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 16.

### Q: What rocket launched Cosmos 2420?
A: Cosmos 2420 was launched using a Soyuz-U rocket.

## Why It Matters
Cosmos 2420 is significant as a component of Russia's space-based intelligence capabilities. As a Yantar-4K2M class Russian spy satellite, it plays a crucial role in national security and reconnaissance efforts. Spy satellites are indispensable tools for modern states, enabling the collection of vital intelligence from orbit, including imagery and electronic signals. This information is critical for monitoring military activities, verifying international treaties, and assessing geopolitical developments, thereby contributing to a nation's defense posture and strategic decision-making. The successful deployment and operation of a satellite like Cosmos 2420 underscore a country's advanced technological prowess in space and its commitment to maintaining a robust space presence for strategic purposes. While the specific details of its mission remain classified, its designation as a spy satellite inherently positions it as a key asset in surveillance and intelligence gathering, reflecting its importance in the broader context of space-based national security infrastructure.

## Notable For
- Its classification as a Yantar-4K2M class Russian spy satellite.
- Its specific launch date of May 3, 2006.
- Its unique COSPAR ID: 2006-017A.
- Its launch using a Soyuz-U rocket from Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 16.

## Body
### Overview
Cosmos 2420 is a Russian satellite identified as a Yantar-4K2M class spy satellite. It is also known by its alias, Kosmos 2420. Its Satellite Catalog Number (SCN) is 29111. The COSPAR ID assigned to Cosmos 2420 is 2006-017A.

### Launch Details
Cosmos 2420 was launched on May 3, 2006. The launch occurred at 17:38:01. The satellite was launched from Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 16. The launch vehicle utilized for this mission was a Soyuz-U rocket. This event is recorded as a significant rocket launch.

### Classification and Related Entities
Cosmos 2420 is an instance of the Yantar-4K2M class, which are Russian spy satellites. The Soyuz-U, the launch vehicle for Cosmos 2420, is a variant of the Soyuz rocket design, known as Universal.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report