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Kosmos 2251

Russian satellite
Also known as: Cosmos 2251

Quick Summary

The Kosmos program, initiated by the Soviet Union in 1962 and continued by Russia, encompasses a vast series of uncrewed satellites. Over 2,500 Kosmos satellites have been launched, serving diverse purposes including scientific research, navigation, and military reconnaissance.1

A notable incident involving a Kosmos satellite occurred on February 10, 2009. Kosmos 2251, an inactive Russian military communications satellite, collided with Iridium 33, a communications satellite owned by Motorola. This event, occurring approximately 760 km (470 miles) above Siberia, resulted in the destruction of both satellites and contributed to the growing problem of space debris.12

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2 Britannica Sources
  1. Kosmos
  2. space debris

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