# Yantar-4K2M

> Russian spy satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q4538276](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q4538276)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yantar-4K2M)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/yantar-4k2m

## Summary
The Yantar-4K2M, also known as Kobalt-M, is a Russian reconnaissance satellite designed for the covert collection of intelligence and military data. It is a member of the Yantar series of spy satellites and was operated by the GRU between its service entry in 2004 and its retirement in 2015.

## Key Facts
- **Classification:** Reconnaissance satellite / Spacecraft model
- **Aliases:** Kobalt-M, 11F695M, 11Ф695М
- **Operator:** GRU (Main Intelligence Directorate)
- **Launch Weight:** 6,700 kilograms
- **Service Entry:** September 24, 2004
- **Service Retirement:** 2015
- **Developer:** Progress State Research and Production Rocket Space Center
- **Manufacturer:** Arsenal Design Bureau
- **Power Source:** Two spacecraft solar arrays
- **Preceded By:** Yantar-4KS1M

## FAQs
### Q: What is the primary function of the Yantar-4K2M?
A: The Yantar-4K2M is a Russian spy satellite used for reconnaissance. It is designed to covertly collect data for military and intelligence applications.

### Q: Who developed and manufactured the Yantar-4K2M?
A: The satellite was developed by the Progress State Research and Production Rocket Space Center and manufactured by the Arsenal Design Bureau.

### Q: What are the technical specifications of the Yantar-4K2M?
A: The satellite has a launch weight of 6,700 kg and is powered by two spacecraft solar arrays. It is identified by the GRAU index 11Ф695М.

### Q: How long was the Yantar-4K2M in service?
A: The Yantar-4K2M entered service on September 24, 2004, and reached service retirement in 2015.

## Why It Matters
The Yantar-4K2M (Kobalt-M) represents a significant component of Russia's orbital intelligence capabilities during the early 21st century. As part of the long-standing Yantar series, it continued a lineage of Soviet and Russian spy satellites dedicated to covert data collection. With a substantial launch mass of 6,700 kg, the satellite provided the GRU with a heavy-duty platform for military reconnaissance. Its decade-long operational period from 2004 to 2015 highlights its role as a primary intelligence asset before its eventual retirement. The development and manufacturing of the Yantar-4K2M involved key Russian aerospace entities, including the Progress State Research and Production Rocket Space Center and the Arsenal Design Bureau, showcasing the specialized industrial base required to maintain a military presence in space.

## Notable For
- **Series Heritage:** A specialized model within the Yantar series of Soviet and Russian reconnaissance satellites.
- **Dual Power System:** Utilizes two spacecraft solar arrays for its orbital power requirements.
- **Extensive Deployment:** Associated with numerous "Cosmos" mission designations, including Cosmos 2427, 2472, and 2505.
- **Successor Status:** Served as the follow-up model to the Yantar-4KS1M reconnaissance satellite.

## Body
### Technical Overview
The Yantar-4K2M is classified as a reconnaissance satellite and a spacecraft model. It features a launch weight of 6,700 kilograms. The satellite's power is generated by two spacecraft solar arrays, which support its intelligence-gathering instrumentation during its orbital lifespan.

### Development and Manufacturing
The spacecraft was developed by the Progress State Research and Production Rocket Space Center. Manufacturing responsibilities were handled by the Arsenal Design Bureau. It originated from Russia and was operated by the GRU (Main Intelligence Directorate).

### Operational History
The Yantar-4K2M entered service on September 24, 2004. It remained operational for approximately 11 years until its service retirement in 2015. During its tenure, it was identified by the GRAU index 11Ф695М and the alias Kobalt-M.

### Related Missions and Designations
The Yantar-4K2M is closely related to several other Russian spacecraft launched under the "Cosmos" (or Kosmos) designation system. These include:
- Cosmos 2410
- Cosmos 2420
- Cosmos 2427
- Kosmos 2445
- Cosmos 2450
- Cosmos 2462
- Kosmos 2472 (specifically identified as a Kobalt-M reconnaissance satellite)
- Kosmos 2480
- Cosmos 2495
- Cosmos 2505

The Yantar-4K2M was preceded in the Yantar lineage by the Yantar-4KS1M.

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  "@type": "Thing",
  "name": "Yantar-4K2M",
  "description": "A Russian reconnaissance satellite part of the Yantar series, also known as Kobalt-M, operated by the GRU.",
  "alternateName": ["Kobalt-M", "11F695M", "11Ф695М"],
  "sameAs": [
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## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/yantar-4k2m.htm)