# Kosmos 2175

> Russian Yantar-4K2 photo reconnaissance satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q2606901](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q2606901)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kosmos_2175)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/kosmos-2175

## Summary  
Kosmos 2175 is a Russian Yantar‑4K2 photo‑reconnaissance satellite launched on 21 January 1992. It was placed into orbit by a Soyuz‑U rocket from Plesetsk Cosmodrome and is operated by the Russian Space Forces.

## Key Facts  
- **Launch date:** 21 January 1992 (15:00 UTC)【P276: Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 43/4, P4241: 15:00:00】.  
- **Launch vehicle:** Soyuz‑U rocket【launch_vehicle: Soyuz‑U】.  
- **Launch site:** Plesetsk Cosmodrome, Site 43/4【start_point: Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 43/4】.  
- **Satellite class:** Yantar‑4K2 (photo‑reconnaissance)【instance_of: Yantar‑4K2】.  
- **Operator:** Russian Space Forces【operator: Russian Space Forces】.  
- **COSPAR ID:** 1992‑001A【cospar_id: 1992‑001A】.  
- **SCN (Space‑Track Catalog Number):** 21844【scn: 21844】.  
- **Freebase ID:** /m/047tzy5【freebase_id: /m/047tzy5】.  
- **Wikipedia title:** “Kosmos 2175” with articles in 10 languages【wikipedia_languages】.  
- **Significant event:** Rocket launch on 21 January 1992 from Plesetsk【significant_event: rocket launch】.

## FAQs  
### Q: When was Kosmos 2175 launched?  
A: Kosmos 2175 was launched on 21 January 1992 at 15:00 UTC from Plesetsk Cosmodrome.

### Q: What type of satellite is Kosmos 2175?  
A: It is a Yantar‑4K2 photo‑reconnaissance satellite, part of the Soviet/Russian spy‑satellite family.

### Q: Which rocket carried Kosmos 2175 into orbit?  
A: The satellite was launched aboard a Soyuz‑U launch vehicle.

### Q: Who operates Kosmos 2175?  
A: The satellite is operated by the Russian Space Forces.

### Q: What is the COSPAR identifier for Kosmos 2175?  
A: Its COSPAR ID is 1992‑001A.

## Why It Matters  
Kosmos 2175 represents a key element of Russia’s early‑1990s Earth‑observation and intelligence‑gathering capabilities. As a Yantar‑4K2 platform, it provided high‑resolution photographic data for military and strategic analysis, supporting the Russian Space Forces’ reconnaissance mission during a period of geopolitical transition. The satellite’s launch from Plesetsk using the reliable Soyuz‑U booster underscores Russia’s continued reliance on proven launch infrastructure to sustain its orbital assets. By contributing to a lineage of Yantar satellites, Kosmos 2175 helped maintain continuity in Russia’s ability to monitor global events, verify treaty compliance, and support national security objectives. Its presence in multiple language Wikipedia entries reflects broad international interest in the technical and historical aspects of Soviet‑derived space technology.

## Notable For  
- First Yantar‑4K2 satellite launched in 1992 (as part of the post‑Cold‑War fleet).  
- Utilised the Soyuz‑U launch vehicle, a workhorse of Soviet/Russian space missions.  
- Deployed from Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 43/4, a primary northern launch complex.  
- Assigned the catalog number 21844, enabling precise tracking by international space agencies.  
- Operated by the Russian Space Forces, highlighting its role in national reconnaissance.

## Body  

### Design and Mission Profile  
- **Class:** Yantar‑4K2, a series of photo‑reconnaissance satellites developed in the Soviet era.  
- **Purpose:** Capture high‑resolution imagery of Earth for military and strategic intelligence.  
- **Operator:** Russian Space Forces, responsible for command, control, and data exploitation.

### Launch Details  
- **Date & Time:** 21 January 1992, 15:00 UTC.  
- **Vehicle:** Soyuz‑U, a variant of the Soyuz family designed for medium‑mass payloads.  
- **Site:** Plesetsk Cosmodrome, Site 43/4, a northern launch pad frequently used for military satellites.  
- **Identifiers:** COSPAR 1992‑001A; Space‑Track Catalog Number 21844.

### Orbital Characteristics (derived from launch class)  
- While specific orbital parameters are not listed, Yantar‑4K2 satellites typically operate in low‑Earth orbit to optimize photographic resolution and revisit times.

### Operational History  
- After launch, Kosmos 2175 entered its reconnaissance mission phase under the Russian Space Forces.  
- The satellite contributed imagery to support national security assessments throughout its operational lifespan.

### Legacy and Context  
- Part of the broader **Yantar** family, which succeeded earlier Zenit and Kobalt reconnaissance platforms.  
- Demonstrates continuity of Russian remote‑sensing capabilities following the dissolution of the Soviet Union.  
- Its launch and operation illustrate the sustained use of established launch infrastructure (Soyuz‑U, Plesetsk) for strategic payloads.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013