# Kanopus-ST

> Russian Earth observation satellite, lost in a launch failure

**Wikidata**: [Q52317501](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q52317501)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/kanopus-st

## Summary
Kanopus-ST was a Russian Earth observation satellite launched in December 2015. It failed to reach orbit due to a launch anomaly and decayed in the atmosphere three days later.

## Key Facts
- Launched on December 5, 2015, at 14:08:33 UTC from Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 43/4
- Mass at launch: 441 kilograms (launch weight)
- Country of origin: Russia
- Operator: Roscosmos State Corporation
- Manufacturer: All-Russian Scientific Research Institute of Electromechanics
- Launch vehicle: Soyuz-2.1v with Volga space tug
- Intended orbit: Sun-synchronous orbit
- COSPAR ID: 2015-071A
- Orbit decay occurred on December 8, 2015
- Also known as Cosmos 2511 or Kanopus-ST No. 1

## FAQs
### Q: What happened to the Kanopus-ST satellite?
A: The Kanopus-ST satellite was lost during its launch on December 5, 2015. Although initially reported as successful, the satellite failed to reach its intended orbit and reentered Earth's atmosphere on December 8, 2015.

### Q: What was the purpose of Kanopus-ST?
A: Kanopus-ST was designed as an Earth observation satellite for remote sensing applications. Its mission included monitoring land use, natural disasters, and environmental changes through optical imaging systems.

### Q: Who built the Kanopus-ST satellite?
A: The satellite was manufactured by the All-Russian Scientific Research Institute of Electromechanics, a Moscow-based research institution established in 1941 that specializes in electromechanical systems development.

## Why It Matters
Kanopus-ST represented part of Russia’s ongoing efforts to maintain and expand its Earth observation capabilities through dedicated remote sensing satellites. As part of the broader Kanopus series, it was intended to support civilian and scientific applications including cartography, agriculture monitoring, and disaster response. Its loss highlighted risks associated with the relatively new Soyuz-2.1v launch vehicle configuration and impacted planned observational coverage during its operational lifetime. The failure also underscored challenges within the Russian space program regarding reliability and mission success rates in Earth observation missions.

## Notable For
- First mission using the upgraded Soyuz-2.1v rocket variant with Volga upper stage
- Part of Russia's national Earth observation program under Roscosmos
- Designed for high-resolution multispectral imaging in sun-synchronous orbit
- One of few Russian satellites assigned dual designation as "Cosmos" following launch issues
- Demonstrated integration between All-Russian Scientific Research Institute of Electromechanics and federal space programs

## Body
### Mission Overview
Kanopus-ST was developed as part of Russia's long-term strategy to enhance domestic Earth observation infrastructure. The satellite was designed to provide moderate-resolution imagery for both civil and governmental purposes, supporting activities such as resource management, urban planning, and emergency response coordination.

### Technical Specifications
The spacecraft had a total mass of 441 kg at launch, making it a medium-sized remote sensing platform. Power was supplied via a single deployable solar array panel mounted on the satellite bus. The design incorporated technologies developed by the All-Russian Scientific Research Institute of Electromechanics, which has been active since 1941 in aerospace system development.

### Launch Details
The launch took place on December 5, 2015, at 14:08:33 UTC from Launch Complex 43/4 at the Plesetsk Cosmodrome. The primary launch vehicle was the Soyuz-2.1v, flown here with serial number 780-31-001, assisted by the Volga upper stage (designated 002). While initial reports suggested nominal performance, telemetry indicated anomalies preventing orbital insertion.

### Failure and Reentry
Despite apparent normal flight until late ascent phase, the payload did not achieve proper orbital velocity or altitude. On December 8, 2015, the uncontrolled object reentered Earth’s atmosphere. Tracking data confirmed complete disintegration upon atmospheric entry, marking the end of the mission just three days after liftoff.

### Legacy and Impact
This failure contributed to concerns over the reliability of newer configurations of the Soyuz family, particularly those involving the Volga upper stage. It delayed certain aspects of Russia's Earth observation schedule and emphasized the need for further testing of modified launch systems before routine deployment.

## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/kanopus-st.htm)
2. Jonathan's Space Report
3. [Source](https://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/spacecraft/displayTrajectory.action?id=2015-071A)