Cosmos 2343

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General

Designation	24805 / 97024A
Launch date	15 May 1997
Country of origin	CIS
Mission	Military: reconnaissance (Kuban?; 7th generation)
Perigee/Apogee	216/338 km
Inclination	64.9°
Period	90 min
Launch vehicle	Soyuz

It was 1495th success space launch of a launcher based on the R-7 ICBM, 666th launch of Soyuz-U in total score, 250th launch of Soyuz-U from Baykonur and 350th launch in total score (including space launchers and ICBMs) from LC31 of Baykonur.

The satellite caused a great deal of controversy when in burned into the atmosphere on 23 Sep 1997 from the Western Isles to the north of England (UK).

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End of life

Out of service	18 Sep 1997
Cause	deorbited and destroyed intentionally (explosive charge)
Decay	23 Sep 1997

Technical data

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Specifications

Prime contractor
Platform
Mass at launch	approx 6000 kg
Mass in orbit
Dimension	2.4 m diameter x 7 m length
Solar array
Stabilization	3-axis
DC power
Design lifetime

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