Artemis 2 Crew First Lunar-Bound Humans Since 1972 | KeepTrack Space Brief
Artemis 2 Orion carries first humans toward the Moon in 53 years. Spacecraft in good health after trans-lunar injection; lunar flyby observation plan due April 6.
COSMOS 1259 (12341)
COSPAR: 1981-026A | Alt Name: Kosmos-1259
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
March 17, 1981
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC31
Launch Vehicle
Soyuz-U
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
12341
International Designator
1981-026A
Decay Date
3/31/1981
Basic Satellite Info
Name
COSMOS 1259
Alternative Name
Kosmos-1259
Type
Payload
Status
Decayed
Owner
GUKOS
Country
USSR
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Summary
COSMOS 1259 (also known as Kosmos-1259) is a reconnaissance satellite launched by the Soviet Union on March 17, 1981, from TYMSC Launch Pad LC31 using a Soyuz-U launch vehicle. It has a Zenit-6 bus with a configuration of Zenit bus and a dry mass of 2655 kg. The satellite is equipped with an Argon No. 28L payload for photo reconnaissance purposes, utilizing film return technology. Its shape is described as Sphere + DCone, and it measures 6 meters in length and has a diameter of 2.2 meters. It was powered by batteries and had a motor type of 11D82M; S5.120 (maneuver module). The satellite operated for a lifetime of 14 days.
Physical Characteristics
Length
6
Diameter
2.2
Span
6
Dry Mass
2655
Launch Mass
2655
Shape
Sphere + DCone
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Argon No. 28L
Purpose
Reconnaissance, photo (film return type)
Mission
Reconnaissance, photo (film return type)
Manufacturer
TSSKB
Life Expectancy
14 days
Bus
Zenit-6
Configuration
Zenit bus
Motor
11D82M; S5.120 (maneuver module)
Equipment
Unknown
Power System
Batteries
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
X Report 19 Apr 2025
SpaceX faces regulatory review for Bahamian rocket landings, positions itself for a major government contract, and a new Star Wars Lego set adds to the fun!
The Day a Farm Boy Found a New World
Ninety-five years ago, a 24-year-old astronomer with no college degree made one of astronomy's most remarkable discoveries, finding a new planet that would challenge our understanding of the solar system
X Report 6 Oct 2025
SpaceX gears up for its 11th Starship test flight, while Starlink expands connectivity through partnerships with T-Mobile, enhancing app functionality beyond cellular coverage.
X Report 11 Nov 2025
SpaceX continues to dominate the space launch market with a new Starlink mission, breaking Florida's annual launch record. The latest batch of satellites enhances global broadband coverage.
€140M ESA Launcher Funding at Risk of Lapse | KeepTrack Space Brief
Nearly €140 million in ESA launcher development funds faces forfeiture with no replacement mechanism. Europe's independent launch capacity under pressure as Arianespace struggles.
SpaceX Stock Eyed for US Kids' Savings Accounts | KeepTrack X Report
Trump reportedly asked Musk to donate SpaceX equity to seed children's savings accounts as Starlink tops 10,706 working satellites in orbit.
X Report 14 Aug 2025
SpaceX successfully launched a batch of Starlink satellites today while introducing new features to enhance user experience. Their rideshare program continues to see increased demand, proving popular among customers.