# Kosmos-2551

> possible Russian reconnaissance satellite which apparently failed after launch

**Wikidata**: [Q110518766](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q110518766)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/kosmos-2551

## Summary
Kosmos-2551 is a possible Russian reconnaissance satellite that appears to have failed after launch, with its orbital decay occurring on October 20, 2021.

## Key Facts
- It is a possible EO-MKA reconnaissance satellite (part of the Kosmos program)
- Launched on September 9, 2021, from Plesetsk Cosmodrome using a Soyuz-2.1v rocket
- Has the COSPAR ID 2021-081A and NSSDCA ID 2021-081A
- Follows Kosmos-2525 and is followed by Kosmos-2555
- Its orbit decayed on October 20, 2021
- Has aliases including EMKA No. 2, Razbeg, and Cosmos-2551
- Is classified as a former EO-MKA satellite possibly

### Q: What was Kosmos-2551?
A: It was a possible Russian reconnaissance satellite that appears to have failed after launch, with its orbital decay occurring on October 20, 2021.

### Q: When was Kosmos-2551 launched?
A: It was launched on September 9, 2021, at 19:59:47 from Plesetsk Cosmodrome.

### Q: What rocket launched Kosmos-2551?
A: It was launched using a Soyuz-2.1v rocket.

## Why It Matters
Kosmos-2551 represents a potential failure in Russia's reconnaissance satellite program, highlighting the technical challenges and risks associated with launching and operating advanced optical reconnaissance satellites. The satellite's apparent failure after launch demonstrates the complexities and uncertainties in space missions, particularly for high-stakes reconnaissance systems. Its orbital decay and subsequent atmospheric entry provide insights into satellite life cycles and the eventual disposal of failed spacecraft, contributing to our understanding of orbital mechanics and space debris management.

## Notable For
- It is classified as a possible EO-MKA reconnaissance satellite, suggesting it was intended for optical reconnaissance missions
- It follows Kosmos-2525 and is followed by Kosmos-2555, indicating its position within the Kosmos satellite sequence
- Its launch and subsequent failure provide a case study in satellite mission failures and orbital decay
- It has multiple aliases including EMKA No. 2 and Razbeg, showing different designations used for the same satellite
- The satellite's orbital decay on October 20, 2021, demonstrates the typical end-of-life process for satellites that fail to achieve operational orbit

## Body
### Technical Specifications
Kosmos-2551, also known as EMKA No. 2 or Razbeg, is identified by the COSPAR ID 2021-081A and NSSDCA ID 2021-081A. It belongs to the EO-MKA class of Russian optical reconnaissance satellites, which are designed for high-resolution imaging from space.

### Launch Details
The satellite was launched on September 9, 2021, at 19:59:47 UTC from Site 43/4 of the Plesetsk Cosmodrome using a Soyuz-2.1v rocket. This launch vehicle is a modernized version of the Soyuz rocket family, specifically designed for medium-lift missions.

### Operational Status
The satellite appears to have failed after launch, as indicated by its classification as a "possible" reconnaissance satellite that "apparently failed after launch." Its orbital decay occurred on October 20, 2021, at approximately 04:50 UTC, with the event being described as "atmospheric entry."

### Program Context
Kosmos-2551 is part of the broader Kosmos satellite program, which has been operational since the 1960s. It follows Kosmos-2525 and is followed by Kosmos-2555, indicating its position within the sequence of reconnaissance satellites. The EO-MKA class represents an evolution in Russian reconnaissance capabilities, likely providing improved optical imaging capabilities compared to earlier satellite models.

### Orbital Decay
The satellite's orbital decay on October 20, 2021, occurred approximately 41 days after its launch. The timing and circumstances of the decay provide valuable data for understanding satellite orbital dynamics and the factors that contribute to satellite reentry.

```json
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Thing",
  "name": "Kosmos-2551",
  "description": "Possible Russian reconnaissance satellite which apparently failed after launch",
  "sameAs": ["https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q6272367"]
}

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report
2. [Source](https://www.n2yo.com/satellite/?s=49127)
3. [Source](https://www.space-track.org/#decay)