Rodnik (Cosmos 2498), two Russian military communication satellites manufactured by the Reshetnev Information Satellite Systems JSC for the Main Intelligence Directorate of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces.
Name of Satellite | Rodnik (Cosmos 2498) |
Purpose | Communications |
Contractor | OAS ISS |
Country of Contractor | Russia |
Launch Mass (kg.) | 280 |
Class of Orbit | LEO |
Perigee (km) | 1 477 |
Expected Lifetime (yrs.) | 5 |
Date of Launch | 23.05.2014 |
Launch Site | Plesetsk Cosmodrome |
Launch Vehicle | Rokot |
COSPAR Number | 2014-028C |
NORAD Number | 39763 |
Rodnik are to provide communication to the Russian armed forces in the most remote areas where there are no traditional terrestrial communication channels. The Rodnik-S/Strela-3M satellite is expected to be used by military and civilian special services, as well as other government agencies.