Strela 3 (Cosmos 2408) was the second generation of a satellite that was designed for strategic military communications. During the development of 1973, this generation was created to replace the first generation satellites Strela-1M and Strela-2M.
| Name of Satellite | Strela 3 (Cosmos 2408) |
| Purpose | Communications |
| Contractor | NPO/PM/Scientific Research Institute for Precision Instruments (NII-TP) |
| Country of Contractor | Russia |
| Launch Mass (kg.) | 225 |
| Class of Orbit | LEO |
| Perigee (km) | 1 471 |
| Expected Lifetime (yrs.) | 3 |
| Date of Launch | 23.09.2004 |
| Launch Site | Plesetsk Cosmodrome |
| Launch Vehicle | Kosmos 3M |
| COSPAR Number | 2004-037A |
| NORAD Number | 28419 |
Strela 3 was heavier than its smaller sibling, which is Strela-1M. On Cyclone-3 launch vehicles, it was launched in six sets.
