# Kosmos 2345

> Russian military early warning satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q3397945](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q3397945)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kosmos_2345)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/kosmos-2345

## Summary
Kosmos 2345 is a Russian military early warning satellite launched in 1997 as part of the US-KS program. Operated by the Russian Space Forces, it was designed to provide strategic surveillance and detect ballistic missile launches.

## Key Facts
- **Classification:** US-KS class early warning satellite
- **Launch Date:** August 14, 1997, at 20:49:14
- **Launch Vehicle:** Proton-K carrier rocket
- **Space Tug:** Blok DM-2
- **Launch Site:** Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 200
- **Manufacturer:** NPO Lavochkin
- **Operator:** Russian Space Forces
- **COSPAR ID:** 1997-041A
- **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN):** 24894

## FAQs
### Q: What is the primary purpose of Kosmos 2345?
A: Kosmos 2345 is a military early warning satellite. Its primary mission is to detect missile launches to support the strategic defense operations of the Russian Space Forces.

### Q: Which rocket was used to launch Kosmos 2345?
A: The satellite was launched using a Proton-K carrier rocket. It also utilized a Blok DM-2 space tug to assist in its orbital deployment.

### Q: Who manufactured Kosmos 2345?
A: The satellite was manufactured by NPO Lavochkin, a prominent Russian aerospace company. It was subsequently operated by the Russian Space Forces.

### Q: When and where did the launch of Kosmos 2345 take place?
A: Kosmos 2345 was launched on August 14, 1997, from Site 200 at the Baikonur Cosmodrome. The launch occurred at exactly 20:49:14.

## Why It Matters
Kosmos 2345 represents a significant component of the Russian Federation's strategic aerospace defense. As a member of the US-KS class, it belongs to a lineage of satellites originally developed by the Soviet Union to provide reliable early warning data regarding potential missile threats. The deployment of this satellite in the late 1990s highlights the continued reliance on the Proton-K heavy-lift vehicle and the Baikonur Cosmodrome for maintaining high-priority military constellations. By providing space-based surveillance, Kosmos 2345 played a role in the Russian Space Forces' ability to monitor global activities and maintain national security through strategic awareness.

## Notable For
- **US-KS Lineage:** It is an instance of the US-KS class, a specific category of Russian and Soviet early warning satellites.
- **Heavy-Lift Launch:** The mission utilized the Proton-K, a carrier rocket with a notable history of 17 sitelinks, indicating its frequent use in major space missions.
- **Precision Deployment:** The satellite's launch involved the Blok DM-2 space tug to ensure accurate placement in its intended orbit.
- **Strategic Manufacturer:** It was produced by NPO Lavochkin, the same manufacturer responsible for various high-profile Russian robotic spacecraft.

## Body

### Mission and Classification
Kosmos 2345 is a military satellite classified under the US-KS designation. This class of spacecraft is specifically engineered for early warning missions, serving as the space-based segment of Russia's missile defense system. The satellite was operated by the Russian Space Forces to ensure continuous monitoring of potential ballistic missile threats.

### Launch and Orbital Deployment
The satellite was successfully launched on August 14, 1997. The significant event took place at 20:49:14 from the Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 200. The launch configuration included:
- **Carrier Rocket:** Proton-K, a Russian (formerly Soviet) heavy-lift vehicle.
- **Upper Stage:** The Blok DM-2 space tug was used to maneuver the satellite into its final orbital position.

### Technical Identification
Kosmos 2345 is tracked and identified in various international and academic databases using the following identifiers:
- **COSPAR ID:** 1997-041A
- **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN):** 24894
- **Freebase ID:** /m/0j9lg3p
- **Wolfram Language Codes:** Entity["Satellite", "24894"] and Entity["Satellite", "24895"]

### Manufacturing and Operations
The spacecraft was developed and built by NPO Lavochkin. Following its launch from the Baikonur Cosmodrome, responsibility for the satellite's mission and maintenance was held by the Russian Space Forces. The satellite is documented across multiple Wikipedia language editions, including English, Croatian, Macedonian, Serbo-Croatian, and Serbian.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report