# Kondor

> series of Russian satellites

**Wikidata**: [Q4234996](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q4234996)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kondor_(satellite))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/kondor

## Summary
Kondor is a series of Russian reconnaissance satellites designed for covert Earth observation, part of the Russian military's intelligence-gathering capabilities. The satellites operate in a specific orbital range and were first deployed in 2013, with notable variants like Kondor E. They are manufactured by NPO Mashinostroyeniya and are classified as artificial satellites.

## Key Facts
- **Class**: Reconnaissance satellite and artificial satellite of the Earth
- **Mass**: 1,150 kilograms
- **Orbit**: Apoapsis of 521 km, periapsis of 501 km, orbital period of 94.64 minutes
- **Country of Origin**: Russia
- **Manufacturer**: NPO Mashinostroyeniya
- **First Deployment**: June 27, 2013
- **Notable Variants**: Kondor E and Kondor 1
- **Aliases**: Космическая система дистанционного зондирования Земли "Кондор-Э"
- **Wikipedia Availability**: Available in multiple languages (English, Russian, German, French, Hebrew, Indonesian)

## FAQs
### Q: What is the purpose of the Kondor satellite series?
A: The Kondor series is a series of Russian reconnaissance satellites designed for covert Earth observation, supporting military and intelligence applications.

### Q: Who manufactures the Kondor satellites?
A: The Kondor satellites are manufactured by NPO Mashinostroyeniya, a Russian aerospace company.

### Q: What are the orbital characteristics of Kondor satellites?
A: Kondor satellites operate in a specific orbital range with an apoapsis of 521 km, a periapsis of 501 km, and an orbital period of 94.64 minutes.

### Q: When was the Kondor series first deployed?
A: The Kondor series was first deployed on June 27, 2013.

### Q: Are there specific variants of the Kondor satellites?
A: Yes, notable variants include Kondor E and Kondor 1, both of which are classified as reconnaissance satellites.

## Why It Matters
The Kondor series plays a critical role in Russia's military and intelligence operations by providing high-resolution, covert Earth observation capabilities. These satellites enable real-time monitoring and reconnaissance, supporting strategic decision-making and operational effectiveness. Their deployment underscores Russia's commitment to maintaining advanced space-based surveillance infrastructure. The Kondor satellites are part of a broader effort to enhance Russia's strategic positioning in space, ensuring continuous intelligence gathering and situational awareness. Their operational success highlights the importance of space-based reconnaissance in modern military strategy.

## Notable For
- **First Deployment**: One of the first Russian reconnaissance satellites to enter operational service in 2013.
- **Orbital Precision**: Operates in a highly specific orbital range, optimizing coverage and resolution.
- **Military Focus**: Designed exclusively for intelligence and military applications, distinguishing it from civilian Earth observation satellites.
- **Manufacturer**: Produced by NPO Mashinostroyeniya, a key player in Russia's aerospace industry.
- **Variants**: Includes specialized models like Kondor E, indicating a tailored approach to different reconnaissance needs.

## Body
### Classification and Function
The Kondor series is classified as both a reconnaissance satellite and an artificial satellite of the Earth. It is part of Russia's broader satellite fleet, specifically designed for covert data collection to support military and intelligence operations.

### Technical Specifications
- **Mass**: The satellites weigh 1,150 kilograms, indicating a substantial payload capacity for reconnaissance equipment.
- **Orbit**: They operate in a low Earth orbit with an apoapsis of 521 km and a periapsis of 501 km, ensuring optimal coverage and resolution.
- **Orbital Period**: The satellites complete an orbit every 94.64 minutes, allowing for frequent revisits to target areas.

### Deployment and Variants
- **First Deployment**: The Kondor series was first launched on June 27, 2013, marking a significant milestone in Russia's space-based reconnaissance capabilities.
- **Variants**: Notable variants include Kondor E and Kondor 1, each tailored for specific reconnaissance missions.

### Manufacturer and Country of Origin
- **Manufacturer**: NPO Mashinostroyeniya, a leading Russian aerospace company, is responsible for the production of Kondor satellites.
- **Country of Origin**: The satellites are of Russian origin, reflecting their integration into Russia's strategic space assets.

### Aliases and Wikipedia Availability
- **Aliases**: The Kondor series is also known as Космическая система дистанционного зондирования Земли "Кондор-Э" in Russian.
- **Wikipedia Availability**: The Kondor series has Wikipedia entries in multiple languages, including English, Russian, German, French, Hebrew, and Indonesian.

## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013