# Kosmos 2517

> Russian geodesy satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q26060103](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q26060103)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/kosmos-2517

## Summary
Kosmos 2517 is a Russian geodesy satellite launched in 2016 as part of the GEO-IK-2 series, designed for Earth mapping and geodetic measurements. It was successfully placed into a Sun-synchronous orbit and is operated by the Russian Space Forces.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: June 4, 2016, at 14:00:14 UTC from Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 133.
- **Mass**: 1,400 kilograms.
- **Class**: GEO-IK-2, a series of Russian geodetic satellites.
- **Operator**: Russian Space Forces.
- **Manufacturers**: JSC Information Satellite Systems Reshetnev and Thales Alenia Space.
- **Launch Vehicle**: Rokot rocket with a Briz-KM upper stage.
- **Orbit**: Sun-synchronous orbit.
- **Preceded by**: Kosmos 2470, which failed to reach the correct orbit.
- **Followed by**: Kosmos 2540, another geodesy satellite in the same series.
- **Aliases**: Cosmos 2517, GEO-IK-2 No.2, Geo-IK-2 2, Musson-2 2.

## FAQs
### Q: What is the purpose of Kosmos 2517?
A: Kosmos 2517 is a geodesy satellite used for Earth mapping and geodetic measurements, helping to refine models of Earth's gravitational field and surface.

### Q: When was Kosmos 2517 launched?
A: It was launched on June 4, 2016, from Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 133.

### Q: Who operates Kosmos 2517?
A: The satellite is operated by the Russian Space Forces.

### Q: What happened to the previous satellite in this series, Kosmos 2470?
A: Kosmos 2470 was placed into an incorrect orbit due to a launch failure.

### Q: What is the mass of Kosmos 2517?
A: The satellite has a mass of 1,400 kilograms.

## Why It Matters
Kosmos 2517 plays a critical role in modern geodesy, the science of measuring Earth's shape, orientation, and gravitational field. Accurate geodetic data is essential for navigation, cartography, and scientific research, including climate studies and disaster monitoring. As part of Russia's GEO-IK-2 program, Kosmos 2517 helps maintain and improve global geospatial infrastructure, ensuring precise positioning for military, civilian, and scientific applications. Its successful deployment also demonstrated Russia's ability to recover from earlier launch failures, such as Kosmos 2470, reinforcing the reliability of its space program.

## Notable For
- **Successful Recovery**: Followed the failed launch of Kosmos 2470, proving the resilience of Russia's geodetic satellite program.
- **High Precision**: Part of the GEO-IK-2 series, known for advanced geodetic measurements.
- **International Collaboration**: Manufactured by both Russian (JSC Information Satellite Systems Reshetnev) and European (Thales Alenia Space) companies.
- **Sun-Synchronous Orbit**: Optimized for consistent Earth observation and data collection.
- **Military and Civilian Use**: Operated by the Russian Space Forces but contributes to global geospatial data.

## Body
### Overview
Kosmos 2517 is a Russian geodesy satellite and the second operational satellite in the GEO-IK-2 series. It was launched to replace the failed Kosmos 2470 and continues the mission of providing high-precision geodetic data.

### Launch and Orbit
- **Launch Date**: June 4, 2016, at 14:00:14 UTC.
- **Launch Site**: Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 133.
- **Launch Vehicle**: Rokot rocket (serial number 492-6391-834) with a Briz-KM upper stage (serial number 72527).
- **Orbit**: Sun-synchronous orbit, ideal for consistent Earth observation.

### Technical Specifications
- **Mass**: 1,400 kilograms.
- **Power Source**: Spacecraft solar array (2 panels).
- **Manufacturers**:
  - JSC Information Satellite Systems Reshetnev (Russia).
  - Thales Alenia Space (Europe).
- **Operator**: Russian Space Forces.

### Mission and Objectives
Kosmos 2517 is designed to:
- Measure Earth's gravitational field with high precision.
- Support geodetic research and cartography.
- Provide data for navigation and military applications.

### Context in the GEO-IK-2 Program
- **Predecessor**: Kosmos 2470 (failed due to incorrect orbit insertion).
- **Successor**: Kosmos 2540 (launched later in the series).
- **Series Purpose**: The GEO-IK-2 program aims to modernize Russia's geodetic satellite capabilities, replacing older systems like the GEO-IK series.

### Additional Identifiers
- **COSPAR ID**: 2016-034A.
- **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN)**: 41579.
- **Aliases**: Cosmos 2517, GEO-IK-2 No.2, Geo-IK-2 2, Musson-2 2.

## Schema Markup
```json
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Thing",
  "name": "Kosmos 2517",
  "description": "Russian geodesy satellite launched in 2016 as part of the GEO-IK-2 series.",
  "sameAs": ["https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q24897034"],
  "additionalType": "Satellite"
}

## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/geo-ik-2.htm)
2. Jonathan's Space Report