# Kosmos 2421

> Russian spy satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q6433271](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q6433271)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kosmos_2421)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/kosmos-2421

## Summary
Kosmos 2421 is a Russian spy satellite launched in 2006 as part of the Kosmos series, designed for military reconnaissance. It was deployed using a Tsyklon-2 rocket and played a role in radar imaging for surveillance. The satellite is identified by COSPAR ID 2006-026A and SCN 29247.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: June 25, 2006, at 04:00:00 UTC.
- **Launch Vehicle**: Tsyklon-2, a Soviet/Ukrainian expendable rocket.
- **Launch Site**: Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 90.
- **Mission Type**: Military reconnaissance via radar imaging.
- **Satellite Series**: Part of the Kosmos class of Soviet/Russian military satellites.
- **Identifiers**: COSPAR ID 2006-026A, SCN 29247.
- **Operator**: Russian military.
- **Significance**: Contributed to Russia's strategic surveillance capabilities.

## FAQs
### Q: What was the purpose of Kosmos 2421?
A: Kosmos 2421 was a Russian spy satellite used for radar imaging and military reconnaissance, supporting national security efforts through all-weather surveillance.

### Q: When and where was Kosmos 2421 launched?
A: It launched on June 25, 2006, at 04:00:00 UTC from Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 90 aboard a Tsyklon-2 rocket.

### Q: Why is Kosmos 2421 notable?
A: It exemplifies Russia's reliance on the long-running Kosmos satellite series and the Tsyklon-2 launch vehicle for critical military missions, despite the rocket's age.

## Why It Matters
Kosmos 2421 represents a key component of Russia's military surveillance infrastructure, leveraging radar imaging technology for all-weather reconnaissance. As part of the decades-spanning Kosmos series, it underscores the strategic importance of space-based intelligence gathering for national security. The satellite's launch on a Tsyklon-2 rocket, despite the vehicle's retirement in 2008, highlights the reliability of legacy systems for sensitive missions. Kosmos 2421's role in providing actionable intelligence directly supports military planning and operational readiness, illustrating the broader significance of satellite technology in modern defense strategies.

## Notable For
- **Radar Imaging Capabilities**: Enabled all-weather surveillance for military intelligence.
- **Kosmos Series Membership**: Part of a prolific line of Soviet/Russian military satellites.
- **Tsyklon-2 Launch**: Utilized a rocket with a 40-year operational history despite its eventual retirement.
- **Russian Military Operations**: Directly supported national security and strategic decision-making.
- **Unique Identifiers**: Designated COSPAR ID 2006-026A and SCN 29247 for tracking.

## Body
### Launch and Deployment
Kosmos 2421 launched on **June 25, 2006**, at **04:00:00 UTC** from **Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 90** in Kazakhstan. The satellite was carried by a **Tsyklon-2** rocket, a Soviet-era launch vehicle known for its reliability in military missions.

### Mission and Capabilities
The satellite was designed for **radar imaging**, a technology critical for penetrating cloud cover and darkness, enabling continuous surveillance. Its primary mission was **military reconnaissance**, aligning with the broader purpose of the Kosmos satellite series.

### Technical Specifications
- **COSPAR ID**: 2006-026A  
- **SCN**: 29247  
- **Operator**: Russian Armed Forces  

### Legacy and Context
Kosmos 2421 is part of the **Kosmos program**, which has included hundreds of satellites since the 1960s, serving roles from communication to espionage. The Tsyklon-2 rocket, retired in 2008, was a staple of Soviet and Russian space launches for high-priority military payloads. This satellite's mission reflects Russia's sustained investment in space-based reconnaissance to maintain strategic advantage.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report