# Cosmos 2488
**Wikidata**: [Q16086510](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q16086510)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/cosmos-2488

## Summary
Cosmos 2488 is a Strela-class military communications satellite launched by Russia on December 25, 2013, from Plesetsk Cosmodrome using a Rokot launch vehicle. It belongs to the Soviet/Russian constellation providing secure communication services for defense purposes.

## Key Facts
- **Classification**: Strela-class satellite (military communications)  
- **Launch Date**: December 25, 2013  
- **COSPAR ID**: 2013-076A  
- **Launch Site**: Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 133  
- **Launch Vehicle**: Rokot  
- **SCN**: 39483  
- **Time of Launch**: 00:31:55 UTC  
- **Wikipedia Languages**: Croatian (hr), Latvian (lv)  

## FAQs
### Q: What is the primary purpose of Cosmos 2488?  
A: Cosmos 2488 is a military communications satellite designed to provide secure communication services for Russian defense operations as part of the Strela constellation.  

### Q: When and where was Cosmos 2488 launched?  
A: It was launched at 00:31:55 UTC on December 25, 2013, from Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 133.  

### Q: What launch vehicle was used for Cosmos 2488?  
A: The satellite was deployed into orbit using a Rokot launch vehicle, a Russian space launch system derived from intercontinental ballistic missiles.  

### Q: How does Cosmos 2488 relate to other satellites?  
A: It belongs to the Strela constellation—a series of Soviet/Russian military communications satellites—and shares operational characteristics with other Strela-class spacecraft.  

## Why It Matters
Cosmos 2488 plays a critical role in maintaining Russia’s military communication infrastructure by enabling secure, encrypted data transmission for defense agencies. The Strela constellation, which this satellite extends, ensures continuous coverage for strategic command-and-control networks, particularly in remote or contested regions. Its launch via the Rokot vehicle—a proven system known for precision orbit insertion—underscores the reliability of Russia’s military space capabilities. This satellite’s deployment reinforces the nation’s commitment to sustaining orbital assets that support modern warfare requirements and national security objectives.  

## Notable For
- **Holiday Launch**: One of few major satellites launched on Christmas Day (December 25).  
- **Rokot Utilization**: Employed the Rokot launch vehicle, which repurposes Soviet-era SS-19 ballistic missile technology for orbital missions.  
- **Plesetsk Heritage**: Launched from Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 133, a historically significant Cold War-era launch complex.  
- **Dual Wikipedia Presence**: Featured in Croatian and Latvian Wikipedia editions, reflecting regional documentation interest.  

## Body
### Overview
Cosmos 2488 is a satellite classified under the Strela series, which constitutes a constellation of Soviet/Russian military communications satellites. This network facilitates secure voice, data, and imagery transmission for defense and strategic purposes.  

### Launch Mission
- **Event Type**: Rocket launch  
- **Date**: December 25, 2013  
- **Time**: 00:31:55 UTC  
- **Location**: Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 133  
- **Vehicle**: Rokot launch system  
- **Mission Outcome**: Successfully delivered satellite into intended orbit  

### Identification Data
- **COSPAR ID**: 2013-076A  
- **SCN**: 39483  
- **Wolfram Entity**: Entity["Satellite", "39483"]  
- **Sitelink Count**: 2 (Croatian, Latvian Wikipedia)  

### Technical Context
- **Satellite Class**: Strela (military communications)  
- **Operator**: Russian Ministry of Defense  
- **Constellation Role**: Part of the Strela constellation, providing global coverage for military communications.  
- **Launch Vehicle Specifications**: Rokot, a three-stage launch vehicle using liquid propulsion.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report