# Ekspress 2

> communications satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q14907223](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q14907223)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/ekspress-2

## Summary
Ekspress 2 is a communications satellite launched on September 26, 1996, from Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 200 using a Proton-K carrier rocket. It was deployed with a Blok DM-2M space tug and cataloged as satellite number 24435.

## Key Facts
- Communications satellite designed for telecommunications.
- Launch date: September 26, 1996.
- Launch site: Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 200.
- Launch vehicle: Proton-K carrier rocket.
- Space tug: Blok DM-2M.
- Satellite catalog number (scn): 24435.
- COSPAR ID: 1996-058A.
- Aliases include Express 2, Ekspress-6, Express 12L, and Express-6.

## FAQs
### Q: What is Ekspress 2?
A: Ekspress 2 is a communications satellite launched in 1996 to facilitate telecommunications services. It operates as part of a satellite network designed for telecommunication purposes.

### Q: When and where was Ekspress 2 launched?
A: Ekspress 2 was launched on September 26, 1996, from Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 200.

### Q: What rocket was used to launch Ekspress 2?
A: A Proton-K carrier rocket was used to launch Ekspress 2 into orbit.

### Q: What other names is Ekspress 2 known by?
A: Ekspress 2 is also referred to as Express 2, Ekspress-6, Express 12L, and Ekspress 12L.

## Why It Matters
Ekspress 2 represents a critical component of Russia's telecommunications infrastructure, enabling long-distance communication services such as television broadcasting, internet connectivity, and telephone networks. Its deployment in 1996 contributed to expanding satellite communication capabilities during a period of growing global demand for reliable space-based telecommunications. The use of a Proton-K rocket and Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 200 underscores the strategic importance of Russian launch infrastructure in maintaining orbital assets for national and international communication needs.

## Notable For
- Cataloged as satellite number 24435 in the official satellite registry.
- Utilized a Blok DM-2M space tug for precise orbital insertion.
- Operated as part of the Ekspress series of Russian communications satellites.
- Launch occurred from Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 200, a historically significant Russian space facility.
- Recognized under multiple aliases indicating its integration into varying satellite identification systems.

## Body
### Overview
Ekspress 2 is a communications satellite classified under the telecommunications satellite category. It was designed to facilitate satellite-based telecommunication services, including data transmission and broadcasting.

### Launch Parameters
- **Date**: September 26, 1996
- **Location**: Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 200
- **Vehicle**: Proton-K carrier rocket
- **Space Tug**: Blok DM-2M
- **Significant Event**: Rocket launch

### Identification Codes
- **SCN**: 24435
- **COSPAR ID**: 1996-058A

### Nomenclature
- **Primary Name**: Ekspress 2
- **Aliases**: Express 2, Ekspress-6, Express 12L, Ekspress 12L, Express-6

### Technical Classification
- **Instance of**: Communications satellite
- **Related Class**: Proton-K (launch vehicle class)

### Digital Presence
- **Sitelink Count**: 2
- **Wikipedia Languages**: German (de), Portuguese (pt)
- **Wikidata Description**: Communications satellite
- **Google Knowledge Graph ID**: /g/12nvpk7v7
- **Wolfram Language Entity Code**: Entity["Satellite", "24435"]

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report