# Kosmos 2494

> Russian military satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q16022370](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q16022370)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kosmos_2494)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/kosmos-2494

## Summary  
Kosmos 2494 is a Russian military satellite and part of the GLONASS-M series, launched on March 23, 2014. It serves as a navigation satellite within Russia's Global Navigation Satellite System (GLONASS), supporting both military and civilian positioning services.

## Key Facts  
- Launched on March 23, 2014 at 22:54:03 UTC  
- COSPAR ID: 2014-012A  
- Instance of: GLONASS-M class navigation satellite  
- Manufacturer: JSC Information Satellite Systems Reshetnev  
- Launch site: Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 43/4  
- Launch vehicle: Soyuz-2.1b rocket  
- Wikidata SCN: 39620  

## FAQs  
### Q: What is Kosmos 2494 used for?  
A: Kosmos 2494 is a GLONASS-M navigation satellite used for providing global positioning data primarily for Russian military applications, though it also contributes to the broader GLONASS system used by civilians.

### Q: When was Kosmos 2494 launched?  
A: Kosmos 2494 was launched on March 23, 2014, from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome using a Soyuz-2.1b rocket.

### Q: Who manufactured Kosmos 2494?  
A: The satellite was manufactured by JSC Information Satellite Systems Reshetnev, a leading Russian aerospace company specializing in satellite systems.

## Why It Matters  
Kosmos 2494 plays a critical role in maintaining and enhancing the operational capacity of the GLONASS constellation, which provides global navigation services as an alternative to GPS. As part of Russia’s strategic infrastructure, it supports national defense capabilities while contributing to international positioning solutions. Its deployment reflects ongoing efforts to modernize and sustain one of the world’s two major satellite navigation networks.

## Notable For  
- Part of the upgraded GLONASS-M generation with improved signal accuracy  
- Launched via the reliable Soyuz-2.1b, a key workhorse of the Russian space program  
- Represents continued investment in dual-use (civilian/military) satellite technology  
- Supports both tactical military operations and public access to precise geolocation data  

## Body  
### Mission Overview  
Kosmos 2494 is a GLONASS-M satellite designed to provide accurate positioning, navigation, and timing services globally. It forms part of Russia's effort to maintain full operational status of its GLONASS network, which requires a minimum of 24 active satellites distributed across three orbital planes.

### Technical Specifications  
- **Satellite Class**: GLONASS-M  
- **Manufacturer**: JSC Information Satellite Systems Reshetnev  
- **Launch Mass**: Approximately 1,415 kg  
- **Orbit Type**: Medium Earth Orbit (MEO)  
- **Design Life**: ~7 years  

### Launch Details  
- **Date**: March 23, 2014  
- **Time**: 22:54:03 UTC  
- **Location**: Plesetsk Cosmodrome, Site 43/4  
- **Vehicle**: Soyuz-2.1b with Fregat upper stage  

### Operational Role  
As a component of the GLONASS system, Kosmos 2494 transmits radio signals that enable receivers to determine location and time. It operates alongside other GLONASS satellites to ensure continuous coverage and redundancy essential for high-precision navigation. The satellite supports both encrypted military signals and open civilian channels, making it integral to both domestic security and commercial applications such as transportation and surveying.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report