# Cosmos 2508
**Wikidata**: [Q21071025](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q21071025)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/cosmos-2508

## Summary  
Cosmos 2508 is a Russian Strela‑class military communications satellite that was launched on 23 September 2015 from Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 133 aboard a Rokot launch vehicle. It carries the COSPAR identifier 2015‑050B and the Satellite Catalog Number 40921.

## Key Facts  
- **Satellite type:** Strela communications satellite (instance of the Strela class).  
- **COSPAR ID:** 2015‑050B.  
- **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN):** 40921.  
- **Launch date:** 23 September 2015.  
- **Launch site:** Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 133, Russia.  
- **Launch vehicle:** Rokot rocket.  
- **Significant event:** Rocket launch recorded at 21:59:38 UTC on the launch day.  
- **Wikipedia language editions:** Croatian (hr) and Latvian (lv).  
- **Wolfram Language entity code:** `Entity["Satellite", "40921"]`.

## FAQs  
### Q: What is Cosmos 2508?  
A: Cosmos 2508 is a Russian Strela‑class military communications satellite launched in 2015.

### Q: When and where was Cosmos 2508 launched?  
A: It was launched on 23 September 2015 from Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 133 in Russia.

### Q: Which launch vehicle carried Cosmos 2508 into orbit?  
A: The satellite was placed into orbit by a Rokot launch vehicle.

### Q: What identifiers are assigned to Cosmos 2508?  
A: Its COSPAR ID is 2015‑050B and its Satellite Catalog Number (SCN) is 40921.

### Q: What is the purpose of the Strela satellite series?  
A: Strela satellites provide military communications capabilities for the Russian armed forces.

## Why It Matters  
Cosmos 2508 forms part of the Strela constellation, a long‑standing series of Russian military communications satellites that enable secure, reliable data transmission for defense operations. By operating in low Earth orbit, Strela satellites like Cosmos 2508 offer rapid, low‑latency links between ground stations, naval vessels, and airborne platforms, enhancing command‑and‑control infrastructure. The launch of Cosmos 2508 on a Rokot vehicle from Plesetsk demonstrates Russia’s continued use of versatile, cost‑effective launch systems to replenish and expand its orbital communications assets. Maintaining an up‑to‑date Strela fleet ensures that Russian forces retain autonomous, resilient communication channels independent of commercial or foreign satellite services, which is critical for national security and operational readiness.

## Notable For  
- Being a member of the Strela military communications constellation.  
- Launched on a Rokot launch vehicle, a repurposed UR‑100N missile.  
- Launched from the historic Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 133.  
- Assigned the unique identifiers COSPAR 2015‑050B and SCN 40921.  
- Recorded a precise launch time of 21:59:38 UTC on 23 September 2015.

## Body  

### Overview  
Cosmos 2508 is classified as an instance of the **Strela** satellite class, which is a series of Soviet/Russian military communications satellites. The Strela system provides secure, low‑Earth‑orbit communication links for the Russian armed forces.

### Launch Details  
- **Date & Time:** 23 September 2015, 21:59:38 UTC.  
- **Site:** Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 133, a primary Russian launch complex for military payloads.  
- **Vehicle:** Rokot, a launch vehicle derived from the UR‑100N intercontinental ballistic missile, commonly used for small to medium payloads.  

### Identification Numbers  
- **COSPAR ID:** 2015‑050B, the international designator assigned by the Committee on Space Research.  
- **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN):** 40921, the United States Space Command tracking number.  
- **Wolfram Language Entity:** `Entity["Satellite", "40921"]`, enabling programmatic access to satellite data.  

### Classification & Role  
- **Instance of:** Strela, indicating its function as a military communications platform.  
- **Purpose:** To relay encrypted voice and data traffic between Russian military units, supporting command‑and‑control operations.  

### Related Systems  
- **Strela Constellation:** Cosmos 2508 operates alongside other Strela satellites, forming a network that ensures continuous coverage over Russian territory and strategic regions.  
- **Rokot Launch Vehicle:** The Rokot has been employed for multiple Strela launches, highlighting its reliability for deploying defense‑related payloads.  

### References  
All factual statements are derived from the structured properties provided, sourced from Wikidata entry Q6272367.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report