# Cosmos 2450
**Wikidata**: [Q12753778](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q12753778)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/cosmos-2450

## Summary  
Cosmos 2450 is a Russian spy satellite launched in 2009 as part of the Yantar-4K2M class, designed for military reconnaissance. It was deployed using a Soyuz-U rocket from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome, marking a continuation of Russia's satellite-based intelligence-gathering efforts.  

## Key Facts  
- **Launch Date**: April 29, 2009  
- **Launch Vehicle**: Soyuz-U rocket  
- **Class**: Yantar-4K2M (Russian spy satellite)  
- **COSPAR ID**: 2009-022A  
- **SCN**: 34871  
- **Launch Site**: Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 16  
- **Launch Time**: 16:58:00 UTC  
- **Purpose**: Military reconnaissance  

## FAQs  
### Q: What was the primary mission of Cosmos 2450?  
A: Cosmos 2450 was a military spy satellite tasked with conducting reconnaissance for Russia, leveraging its Yantar-4K2M design for high-resolution imaging.  

### Q: When and where was Cosmos 2450 launched?  
A: It launched on April 29, 2009, at 16:58:00 UTC from Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 16 in Russia.  

### Q: What rocket was used to deploy Cosmos 2450?  
A: The satellite was launched aboard a Soyuz-U rocket, a reliable variant of the Soyuz family developed by the Soviet Union.  

## Why It Matters  
Cosmos 2450 represents a key component of Russia’s military surveillance capabilities in the 21st century. As part of the Yantar-4K2M series, it underscores the continued reliance on proven satellite designs for critical reconnaissance missions. Its launch via the Soyuz-U rocket highlights the enduring use of Soviet-era technology in modern space operations, ensuring continuity in Russia’s space-based intelligence infrastructure. This satellite played a role in maintaining strategic oversight, contributing to national security efforts through high-altitude imaging and data collection.  

## Notable For  
- **Yantar-4K2M Class**: Part of a series of advanced Russian spy satellites known for high-resolution imaging.  
- **Soyuz-U Launch**: Utilized a veteran Soviet-designed rocket with a reputation for reliability.  
- **Plesetsk Launch Site**: Deployed from a key Russian military spaceport, reflecting its strategic importance.  
- **2009 Launch Window**: Contributed to Russia’s maintenance of orbital reconnaissance assets during the late 2000s.  

## Body  
### Launch Details  
- **Date/Time**: April 29, 2009, at 16:58:00 UTC.  
- **Site**: Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 16, a facility primarily used for military and government space launches.  
- **Vehicle**: Soyuz-U (Universal variant), a liquid-fueled rocket derived from the R-7 family.  

### Satellite Specifications  
- **Class**: Yantar-4K2M, a dedicated reconnaissance satellite design.  
- **Identifiers**:  
  - **COSPAR ID**: 2009-022A  
  - **SCN**: 34871  
- **Purpose**: Equipped for photographic or signals intelligence gathering.  

### Mission Context  
Cosmos 2450 operated as part of Russia’s broader network of spy satellites, tasked with monitoring strategic targets, verifying military movements, and supporting defense planning. Its deployment reinforced the Russian military’s reliance on space-based assets for real-time intelligence, a critical capability for modern armed forces. The use of the Soyuz-U rocket emphasized cost-effective and proven launch solutions, even as newer rocket designs emerged.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report