# Kosmos 2549

> Russian satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q110590006](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q110590006)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/kosmos-2549

## Summary
Kosmos 2549 is a Russian military satellite launched on February 2, 2021, as part of the Lotos reconnaissance satellite series. It belongs to the broader Kosmos class of Soviet and Russian military satellites and was deployed using a Soyuz-2.1b rocket. The satellite serves as part of Russia's reconnaissance capabilities, though specific operational details remain limited.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: February 2, 2021
- **COSPAR ID**: 2021-008A
- **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN)**: 47546
- **Launch Vehicle**: Soyuz-2.1b rocket
- **Class**: Part of the Lotos series of Russian reconnaissance satellites
- **Parent Series**: Kosmos (Soviet and Russian military satellite program)
- **Wikipedia Coverage**: Available only in Russian (1 sitelink)

## FAQs
### Q: What is the primary purpose of Kosmos 2549?
A: Kosmos 2549 is a reconnaissance satellite designed to support Russian military intelligence-gathering operations as part of the Lotos series.

### Q: When and how was Kosmos 2549 launched?
A: The satellite was launched on February 2, 2021, aboard a Soyuz-2.1b rocket, a modernized variant of the Soyuz rocket family.

### Q: Why is Kosmos 2549 classified under the Lotos series?
A: The Lotos series represents Russia’s advanced reconnaissance satellites, with Kosmos 2549 serving as a specific instance of this class, emphasizing its role in surveillance and data collection.

## Why It Matters
Kosmos 2549 represents a modern iteration of Russia’s long-standing investment in military satellite technology, specifically within the Lotos series, which is critical for reconnaissance and strategic monitoring. Its launch on a Soyuz-2.1b rocket underscores Russia’s reliance on domestically developed launch systems amid geopolitical tensions. As part of the broader Kosmos program—a cornerstone of Soviet and Russian space-based military infrastructure—Kosmos 2549 contributes to Russia’s ability to maintain surveillance capabilities, though its exact operational scope remains undisclosed. The satellite’s deployment highlights the ongoing importance of space-based assets in modern military strategy, ensuring Russia’s continued presence in low Earth orbit for intelligence purposes.

## Notable For
- **Reconnaissance Role**: Part of the Lotos series, dedicated to military surveillance and data collection.
- **Soyuz-2.1b Launch**: Utilizes a modernized Russian rocket variant, showcasing domestic launch capabilities.
- **Limited Public Information**: Reflects typical secrecy surrounding Russian military satellites, with minimal international Wikipedia coverage (only Russian-language entry).
- **Kosmos Heritage**: Continues the legacy of the long-running Kosmos satellite program, initiated in the Soviet era.

## Body
### Launch Details
- **Date**: February 2, 2021
- **Rocket**: Soyuz-2.1b, a upgraded version of the Soyuz-2 family, designed for improved payload capacity and reliability.
- **Mission**: Deployed as part of Russia’s ongoing efforts to maintain and modernize its military satellite constellation.

### Classification
- **Primary Class**: Lotos-series reconnaissance satellite, focused on signals intelligence (SIGINT) or imagery intelligence (IMINT).
- **Parent Program**: Kosmos, a designation encompassing numerous Soviet and Russian military satellites since the 1960s, including navigation, communication, and reconnaissance missions.

### Technical Specifications
- **Identifier**: COSPAR ID 2021-008A, SCN 47546 (used for tracking in Earth orbit).
- **Launch Vehicle**: Soyuz-2.1b (references Q6272367), launched from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome, a key Russian military spaceport.

### Context
- **Geopolitical Significance**: The satellite’s launch aligns with Russia’s broader strategy to sustain independent space-based military capabilities amid international competition.
- **Program Continuity**: The Kosmos series, including Kosmos 2549, reflects decades of investment in space infrastructure, ensuring continuity from Soviet-era technologies to modern systems.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report