# Kosmos 2261

> Russian military early warning satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q3397982](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q3397982)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kosmos_2261)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/kosmos-2261

## Summary
Kosmos 2261 was a Russian military early warning satellite launched on August 10, 1993. It is an instance of the US-K class, a series of Soviet and Russian early warning satellites. The satellite was launched from Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 16 using a Molniya-M rocket.

## Key Facts
- Kosmos 2261 is a Russian military early warning satellite.
- It was launched on August 10, 1993.
- The launch occurred from Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 16.
- Its launch vehicle was a Molniya-M rocket.
- Kosmos 2261 belongs to the US-K class of satellites.
- Its COSPAR ID is 1993-051A.
- The Satellite Catalog Number (SCN) for Kosmos 2261 is 22741.
- The launch took place at 14:53:45 UTC.

## FAQs
### Q: What is Kosmos 2261?
A: Kosmos 2261 is a Russian military early warning satellite. It is part of the US-K class, which is a series of Soviet and Russian satellites designed for early warning purposes.

### Q: When was Kosmos 2261 launched?
A: Kosmos 2261 was launched on August 10, 1993. The specific time of the rocket launch was 14:53:45 UTC.

### Q: Where was Kosmos 2261 launched from?
A: Kosmos 2261 was launched from Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 16. This site is a Russian spaceport located in Mirny, Arkhangelsk Oblast.

### Q: What type of rocket was used to launch Kosmos 2261?
A: Kosmos 2261 was launched using a Molniya-M rocket. The Molniya-M is a Soviet space launcher rocket.

### Q: What class of satellite does Kosmos 2261 belong to?
A: Kosmos 2261 belongs to the US-K class of satellites. This class comprises a series of Soviet and Russian early warning satellites.

## Why It Matters
As a Russian military early warning satellite, Kosmos 2261 played a role in the broader system designed to detect potential threats. Its launch contributed to the continuity and capabilities of the US-K series, which are crucial for national security by providing timely intelligence. The operation of such satellites is fundamental for strategic defense, enabling early detection and assessment of missile launches. Therefore, Kosmos 2261 was an integral component of a critical infrastructure for military intelligence and defense, contributing to the overall early warning network. Its existence and operation underscore the ongoing efforts in space-based surveillance for national security purposes during its operational period.

## Notable For
- Being a Russian military early warning satellite, contributing to strategic defense capabilities.
- Its launch on August 10, 1993, as part of the ongoing US-K series of satellites.
- Being launched by a Molniya-M rocket from Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 16.

## Body

### Overview
Kosmos 2261 is identified as a Russian military early warning satellite. It is an instance of the US-K class, which is a series of Soviet and Russian early warning satellites.

### Launch Details
- **Launch Date:** August 10, 1993
- **Launch Time:** 14:53:45 UTC
- **Launch Site:** Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 16
- **Launch Vehicle:** Molniya-M, a Soviet space launcher rocket

### Identifiers
- **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN):** 22741
- **COSPAR ID:** 1993-051A
- **Freebase ID:** /m/0jwz8_0
- **Wolfram Language Entity Code:** Entity["Satellite", "22741"]

### Classification
- Kosmos 2261 is classified as an instance of the US-K class.
- The US-K class is a series of Soviet and Russian early warning satellites.
- The Molniya-M is a Soviet space launcher rocket.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report