Strela 3 (Cosmos 2401) 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 2401) |
| 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) | 1 465 |
| Expected Lifetime (yrs.) | 3 |
| Date of Launch | 19.08.2003 |
| Launch Site | Plesetsk Cosmodrome |
| Launch Vehicle | Kosmos 3M |
| COSPAR Number | 2003-037B |
| NORAD Number | 27869 |
Strela-3 was heavier than its smaller sibling, which is Strela-1M. On Cyclone-3 launch vehicles, it was launched in six sets.
