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COSMOS 2517 (GEO-IK 2)

Russian Military Geodetic Satellite · Russian Ministry of Defence

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Cosmos 2517 (Geo-IK 2), part of Russia's military geodetic satellite program, precisely mapping Earth's gravitational field and exact shape to support the accuracy of Russian ballistic missile targeting systems and GLONASS navigation. Unlike civilian geodetic satellites like LAGEOS, Geo-IK data feeds directly into Russian military targeting calculations.

Its orbit

Orbit
Low Earth Orbitcan appear as a fast-moving star at dawn or dusk
Altitude
588–589 mi (947–948 km)
Inclination
99.2°
One orbit
103.8 minutes13.9 orbits a day
NORAD ID
41579
Int’l designator
2016-034A
Launched
2016

Orbital elements from CelesTrak, as of 22 Sep 2026.

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