# Cosmos 2496
**Wikidata**: [Q18609258](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q18609258)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/cosmos-2496

## Summary
Cosmos 2496 is a Russian military communications satellite belonging to the Strela constellation. It was launched on May 23, 2014, aboard a Rokot rocket from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome. The satellite serves as part of Russia's secure military communications network.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date:** May 23, 2014  
- **COSPAR ID:** 2014-028A  
- **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN):** 39761  
- **Launch Vehicle:** Rokot  
- **Launch Site:** Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 133  
- **Class:** Strela (a Soviet/Russian military communications satellite constellation)  
- **Significant Event:** Rocket launch at 05:27:54 UTC on May 23, 2014  
- **Wolfram Language Entity Code:** `Entity["Satellite", "39761"]`  

## FAQs
### Q: What type of satellite is Cosmos 2496?  
A: Cosmos 2496 is a military communications satellite, part of the Strela constellation used by Russia for secure military communications.  

### Q: When and where was Cosmos 2496 launched?  
A: It was launched on May 23, 2014, from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 133 aboard a Rokot rocket.  

### Q: What is the purpose of the Strela satellites?  
A: The Strela satellites provide secure, encrypted communications for Russian military and government operations.  

## Why It Matters  
Cosmos 2496 plays a critical role in Russia's military communications infrastructure, ensuring secure and reliable data transmission for defense operations. As part of the Strela constellation, it contributes to maintaining strategic command and control capabilities, which are vital for national security. The use of the Rokot launch vehicle, a repurposed ballistic missile, highlights Russia's dual-use space technology strategy. The satellite's deployment underscores the ongoing modernization of Russia's military satellite network, reflecting broader geopolitical priorities in space-based communications.  

## Notable For  
- Part of the **Strela** constellation, a key component of Russia's military communications.  
- Launched aboard a **Rokot** rocket, a repurposed ICBM-derived launch vehicle.  
- One of several satellites deployed to maintain secure military communications.  

## Body  
### Launch Details  
- **Date:** May 23, 2014  
- **Time:** 05:27:54 UTC  
- **Site:** Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 133  
- **Vehicle:** Rokot  

### Satellite Classification  
- **Class:** Strela  
- **Function:** Military communications  
- **Catalog Number (SCN):** 39761  
- **COSPAR ID:** 2014-028A  

### Related Systems  
- **Strela Constellation:** A network of Soviet/Russian military communications satellites.  
- **Rokot Launch Vehicle:** A Russian space launch vehicle derived from the UR-100N ICBM.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report