COSMOS 1246 (12301)

COSPAR: 1981-015A | Alt Name: Kosmos-1246
DECAYED

Image
COSMOS 1246 Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

February 18, 1981

Launch Pad

LC31

Launch Vehicle

Soyuz-U

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

12301

International Designator

1981-015A

Decay Date

3/13/1981

Basic Satellite Info

Name

COSMOS 1246

Alternative Name

Kosmos-1246

Type

Payload

Status

Decayed

Owner

TSSKB

Country

USSR

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Summary
COSMOS 1246 (also known as Kosmos-1246) is an area reconnaissance satellite, designed for photo reconnaissance and film return type operations, launched by the Soviet Union on February 18, 1981. The spacecraft was manufactured by TSSKB using a Yantar'-1KFT bus with a Zenit reentry module, measuring 6.5 meters in length and diameter of 2.4 meters, with a span of 6.5 meters. It had a dry mass of 2720 kilograms and was launched from the TYMSC launch site at LC31 aboard a Soyuz-U vehicle. The satellite is equipped with two deployable solar arrays and batteries for power generation. Its shape consists of a sphere and DCone, and it carries the Siluet No. 1L payload, designed for area reconnaissance purposes.
Physical Characteristics

Length

6.5

Diameter

2.4

Span

6.5

Dry Mass

2720

Launch Mass

2720

Shape

Sphere + DCone

Radar Cross Section

26.3

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

Siluet No. 1L

Purpose

Area Reconnaissance, photo (film return type)

Mission

Area Reconnaissance, photo (film return type)

Manufacturer

TSSKB

Life Expectancy

Unknown

Bus

Yantar'-1KFT

Configuration

Yantar Bus, Zenit reentry module

Motor

Unknown

Equipment

Unknown

Power System

2 deployable solar arrays, batteries

ADCS

Unknown

Transmitter Frequency

Unknown

Satellite Articles

View All Posts »

Learn more about satellites and other related topics.

Space Brief 13 Dec 2024

Space Brief 13 Dec 2024

Today's brief highlights the U.S. Space Force's upcoming modular satellite mission, increased military reliance on commercial space intelligence, and the demand for expanded commercial reserve support. Learn more about these advancements alongside our Satellite Spotlight on Yaogan-30 B.

The Day Space Station Crews Gained Their Window on the World

The Day Space Station Crews Gained Their Window on the World

Fifteen years ago, Space Shuttle Endeavour launched on a mission that would give International Space Station astronauts their most spectacular view of Earth through the innovative Cupola observatory

Space Brief 4 Dec 2024

Space Brief 4 Dec 2024

Today's brief covers significant advancements in materials technology for space applications, a U.S. Navy contract for rocket production facilities, and NATO's upcoming classified cloud system.

Space Force Modernizes Networks Across 14 Bases, SDA Expands $3.5B Satellite Program | KeepTrack Space Brief

Space Force Modernizes Networks Across 14 Bases, SDA Expands $3.5B Satellite Program | KeepTrack Space Brief

Space Force initiates cybersecurity network upgrades across 14 bases. SDA expands $3.5B Tracking Layer with 72 new satellites. SpaceX and China drive record orbital launches in 2025.

X Report 2 Apr 2025

X Report 2 Apr 2025

SpaceX's Fram2 mission marks a historic first in polar orbit travel, while DARPA unexpectedly detects Falcon 9 reentry using atmospheric listening.

SpaceX Acquires xAI, Amazon Buys 10 More Falcon 9 Launches | KeepTrack X Report

SpaceX Acquires xAI, Amazon Buys 10 More Falcon 9 Launches | KeepTrack X Report

SpaceX officially acquires xAI for orbital data centers. Amazon buys 10 additional Falcon 9 launches for Project Kuiper. Starlink helps Iranian protesters bypass blackout.

X Report 22 Sep 2025

X Report 22 Sep 2025

SpaceX successfully launched 28 Starlink satellites from Florida, marking another milestone for their ongoing deployment efforts.

X Report 5 May 2025

X Report 5 May 2025

SpaceX celebrated Star Wars Day with a successful launch of Starlink satellites, furthering its mission to enhance global internet access. Lego also revealed a new collectible set tied to the franchise.