# Cosmos 2490
**Wikidata**: [Q16086493](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q16086493)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/cosmos-2490

## Summary
Cosmos 2490 is a Russian military communications satellite belonging to the Strela constellation. Launched on December 25, 2013, from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome, it serves as part of the Soviet/Russian orbital communications infrastructure. The satellite was deployed into orbit using a Rokot launch vehicle.

## Key Facts
- **Classification:** Instance of **Strela**, a class of Soviet/Russian military communications satellites.
- **Launch Date:** December 25, 2013.
- **Launch Vehicle:** Rokot, a Russian space launch vehicle series.
- **Launch Site:** Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 133.
- **Launch Time:** 00:31:55.
- **COSPAR ID:** 2013-076C.
- **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN):** 39485.
- **Wolfram Language Entity Code:** `Entity["Satellite", "39485"]`.

## FAQs
### Q: What type of satellite is Cosmos 2490?
A: Cosmos 2490 is a Strela-class satellite, designed for military communications purposes for the Russian (and formerly Soviet) defense sector.

### Q: When and how was Cosmos 2490 launched?
A: It was launched on December 25, 2013, at 00:31:55, using a Rokot launch vehicle from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 133.

### Q: What are the identifying codes for Cosmos 2490?
A: Its international designator (COSPAR ID) is 2013-076C, and its Satellite Catalog Number (SCN) is 39485.

## Why It Matters
Cosmos 2490 represents a continued effort by Russia to maintain and modernize its military communications capabilities through the Strela satellite constellation. As a military asset, it plays a role in secure data transmission and operational coordination for Russian defense forces. The launch, occurring in late 2013, utilized the Rokot launch vehicle—a system derived from the Soviet-era UR-100N intercontinental ballistic missile—demonstrating the repurposing of military hardware for space access. By operating within the Strela constellation, Cosmos 2490 contributes to the robustness of communications networks that support military logistics and command structures. Its specific identification numbers (SCN 39485 and COSPAR 2013-076C) allow international bodies and researchers to track the object, ensuring space situational awareness amidst the growing population of orbital debris and active satellites.

## Notable For
- Being a dedicated component of the **Strela** military communications constellation.
- Launching on the **Rokot** vehicle, a hybrid of converted ICBM technology and commercial satellite delivery.
- Launching on **Christmas Day, 2013**, a specific timestamp in the timeline of Russian space operations.
- Being tracked under the specific Wolfram Language entity code for satellite data integration.

## Body
### Classification and Identification
Cosmos 2490 is officially classified as a **Strela** satellite. This class is utilized primarily for military communications, continuing a legacy of Soviet and Russian orbital defense infrastructure.
- **COSPAR ID:** 2013-076C
- **Satellite Catalog Number:** 39485
- **Wolfram Language Entity:** `Entity["Satellite", "39485"]`

### Launch Details
The satellite was successfully delivered to orbit via a **Rokot** launch vehicle. The Rokot is a Russian launch vehicle series often used for military and scientific payloads.
- **Launch Date:** December 25, 2013
- **Launch Time:** 00:31:55
- **Location:** Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 133

The launch is recorded as a significant event involving a rocket launch originating from Plesetsk, a primary launch facility for the Russian military located in the Arkhangelsk Oblast. The Cosmos designation (Cosmos 2490) follows the standard Soviet/Russian naming convention for military satellites, obscuring the specific mission details under a generic numerical identifier. References to this data are supported by sitelinks and Wikidata structural properties (specifically sourced via `Q6272367` and `Q728945`).

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report