Some experts believe the Cosmos series with the identification of 2411 and upwards could be part of Russia's Oko (Eye) orbital missile early warning network. The Cosmos 2441 (launched on July 26, 2008) is believed to be the first in a new series of spy satellites (Persona), featuring updated imaging technology and an extended lifetime span of up to seven years. The Soyuz-U rocket is designed to orbit Soyuz and Progress manned and cargo spacecraft, as well as special-purpose satellites such as Cosmos, Resurs-F, Foton and Bion. The rocket has payload of up to 6,950 kilograms. A Soyuz-U was last launched from Plesetsk on April 29, 2009. Russia reportedly operates a network of 60 to 70 reconnaissance satellites and has carried out 16 space launches since the beginning of 2009. (Source: RIA Novosti).
Satnews Daily
November 23rd, 2009
Russian Space Forces Launch Cosmos MilSat
Some experts believe the Cosmos series with the identification of 2411 and upwards could be part of Russia's Oko (Eye) orbital missile early warning network. The Cosmos 2441 (launched on July 26, 2008) is believed to be the first in a new series of spy satellites (Persona), featuring updated imaging technology and an extended lifetime span of up to seven years. The Soyuz-U rocket is designed to orbit Soyuz and Progress manned and cargo spacecraft, as well as special-purpose satellites such as Cosmos, Resurs-F, Foton and Bion. The rocket has payload of up to 6,950 kilograms. A Soyuz-U was last launched from Plesetsk on April 29, 2009. Russia reportedly operates a network of 60 to 70 reconnaissance satellites and has carried out 16 space launches since the beginning of 2009. (Source: RIA Novosti).