# Kosmos 2397

> Russian military early warning satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q3397922](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q3397922)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kosmos_2397)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/kosmos-2397

## Summary
Kosmos 2397 is a Russian military early warning satellite launched on April 24, 2003, as part of the US-KMO series. It was operated by the Russian Space Forces and launched aboard a Proton-K rocket from the Baikonur Cosmodrome.

## Key Facts
- **Type**: US-KMO early warning satellite
- **Operator**: Russian Space Forces
- **Launch Date**: April 24, 2003
- **Launch Vehicle**: Proton-K
- **Launch Site**: Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 81/24
- **Manufacturer**: NPO Lavochkin
- **Space Tug**: Blok DM-2
- **COSPAR ID**: 2003-015A
- **Wikidata ID**: Q27775
- **Aliases**: Cosmos 2397

## FAQs
### Q: What was Kosmos 2397 used for?
A: Kosmos 2397 was a Russian military early warning satellite designed to detect missile launches and other strategic threats.

### Q: Who operated Kosmos 2397?
A: The satellite was operated by the Russian Space Forces, part of the Russian military.

### Q: What rocket launched Kosmos 2397?
A: It was launched aboard a Proton-K rocket from the Baikonur Cosmodrome on April 24, 2003.

### Q: What was the significance of Kosmos 2397?
A: As part of the US-KMO series, Kosmos 2397 contributed to Russia's early warning capabilities, helping monitor potential missile threats.

### Q: What was the Blok DM-2 in relation to Kosmos 2397?
A: The Blok DM-2 was the upper stage of the Proton-K rocket that delivered Kosmos 2397 into its operational orbit.

## Why It Matters
Kosmos 2397 was part of Russia's early warning satellite network, which played a critical role in detecting and tracking missile launches, including intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs). These satellites were essential for Russia's strategic defense, providing early detection of potential threats. The US-KMO series, of which Kosmos 2397 was a member, was designed to enhance Russia's ability to monitor space-based activities and respond to emerging threats. By maintaining a constellation of early warning satellites, Russia could ensure continuous surveillance, contributing to national security and deterrence capabilities.

## Notable For
- **Military Role**: Part of Russia's early warning network, Kosmos 2397 helped monitor missile launches.
- **US-KMO Series**: Belongs to a dedicated class of Soviet/Russian early warning satellites.
- **Proton-K Launch**: Successfully deployed using a Proton-K rocket, a reliable Soviet-era launch vehicle.
- **Blok DM-2 Upper Stage**: Utilized the Blok DM-2 for precise orbital insertion.
- **Operational Longevity**: Contributed to Russia's strategic defense infrastructure for years after launch.

## Body
### Overview
Kosmos 2397 was a Russian military satellite launched on April 24, 2003, as part of the US-KMO series. It was operated by the Russian Space Forces and played a role in early warning and missile detection.

### Technical Specifications
- **Type**: US-KMO early warning satellite
- **Launch Vehicle**: Proton-K
- **Upper Stage**: Blok DM-2
- **Launch Site**: Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 81/24
- **Manufacturer**: NPO Lavochkin

### Mission Details
- **Launch Date**: April 24, 2003
- **COSPAR ID**: 2003-015A
- **Operator**: Russian Space Forces

### Significance
Kosmos 2397 was part of a network of early warning satellites designed to detect missile launches and other strategic threats. The US-KMO series was a critical component of Russia's early warning infrastructure, ensuring continuous surveillance of potential threats. The satellite's successful deployment and operation contributed to Russia's strategic defense capabilities.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report