COSMOS 1268 (12423)

COSPAR: 1981-040A | Alt Name: Kosmos-1268

DECAYED

Image

Additional Sources

Launch Details

Launch Date

April 28, 1981

Launch Site

Tyuratam Missile and Space Complex

Launch Pad

LC31

Launch Vehicle

Soyuz-U

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

12423

International Designator

1981-040A

Decay Date

5/12/1981

Basic Satellite Info

Name

COSMOS 1268

Alternative Name

Kosmos-1268

Type

Payload

Status

Decayed

Owner

GUKOS

Country

USSR

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Summary

COSMOS 1268, also known as Kosmos-1268, is a reconnaissance satellite launched on April 28, 1981, from the TYMSC launch site using LC31 with the Soyuz-U launch vehicle by GUKOS. The satellite has dimensions of 6 meters in length and diameter of 2.2 meters, with a span of 6 meters and a dry mass of 2655 kilograms. Equipped with an Argon No. 42L payload for photo reconnaissance, the spacecraft relies on batteries for power and is based on the Zenit-6 bus manufactured by TSSKB. The satellite's shape consists of a sphere plus a DCone and has an RCS value of 32.44. Its motor types include the 11D82M and S5.120 maneuver module, designed for film return type reconnaissance missions with a lifetime of 14 days.

Physical Characteristics

Length

Diameter

2.2

Span

Dry Mass

2655

Launch Mass

2655

Shape

Sphere + DCone

Radar Cross Section

32.44

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

Argon No. 42L

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

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