Kosmos 2417: A Key Component of the GLONASS Navigation System
The Kosmos 2417 is a Russian military satellite that played a specific role in the development of the Global Navigation Satellite System (GLONASS). Launched during a pivotal era of satellite deployment, it served as part of a strategic effort by the Russian Space Forces to maintain a robust global positioning infrastructure.
As part of the Uragan series—the technical name for GLONASS satellites—Kosmos 2417 was designed for high-precision navigation. It was launched as part of a trio of satellites, alongside Kosmos 2418 and Kosmos 2419, to strengthen the constellation's coverage.
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Mission Launch and Deployment
The mission took place on December 25, 2005, at 05:07 UTC. The launch was conducted from Site 81/24 at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. To reach the required altitude, the Russian Space Forces utilized a Proton-K carrier rocket equipped with a Blok DM upper stage.
The launch successfully placed the three satellites into Medium Earth orbit (MEO), a circular orbit typically used by navigation satellites to ensure consistent global visibility. Following its successful deployment, the spacecraft was assigned the International Designator 2005-050C and the Satellite Catalog Number (SATCAT) 28917 by the United States Space Command.
Technical Specifications and Orbital Role
Kosmos 2417 is identified as Uragan No. 798 and was manufactured by Reshetnev ISS. While it was launched simultaneously with two GLONASS-M satellites, Kosmos 2417 was the final satellite of its specific type to be launched before the system transitioned fully to the improved GLONASS-M series.
In terms of orbital positioning, the satellite was placed in orbital slot 22 within the third orbital plane. This precise positioning is critical for navigation systems to ensure that users on the ground can receive signals from multiple satellites simultaneously to calculate their exact location.
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Key Facts
- Operator: Russian Space Forces
- Satellite Type: Uragan (Block IIv)
- Launch Date: December 25, 2005
- Launch Vehicle: Proton-K / DM-2
- Orbit: Medium Earth orbit (MEO)
- Orbital Slot: 22
- COSPAR ID: 2005-050C
- SATCAT Number: 28917
Mission Summary Table
| Parameter | Detail |
|---|---|
| Spacecraft Designation | Kosmos 2417 (Uragan No. 798) |
| Manufacturer | Reshetnev ISS |
| Launch Site | Baikonur, Site 81/24 |
| Reference System | Geocentric |
| Current Status | No longer part of the GLONASS constellation |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of Kosmos 2417?
Kosmos 2417 was a military navigation satellite designed to provide positioning and timing data as part of the Russian GLONASS constellation.
Which rocket was used to launch the satellite?
The satellite was launched using a Proton-K carrier rocket with a Blok DM upper stage.
What is the difference between Uragan and GLONASS?
Uragan is the specific spacecraft type or series name for the satellites that make up the GLONASS (Global Navigation Satellite System) constellation.
Is Kosmos 2417 still active in the GLONASS system?
No, Kosmos 2417 is no longer part of the active GLONASS constellation.
How many satellites were launched during this specific mission?
Three satellites were launched together: Kosmos 2417, Kosmos 2418, and Kosmos 2419.