COSMOS 1266 FUEL CORE (12435)

COSPAR: 1981-037D | Alt Name: Kosmos-1266 reactor core

Image
COSMOS 1266 FUEL CORE Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

April 21, 1981

Launch Pad

LC90

Launch Vehicle

Tsiklon-2

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

12435

International Designator

1981-037D

Epoch

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 01:28:47 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

64.77°

Right Ascension

73.20°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

241.96°

Period

103.36 min

Mean Motion

13.93 rev/day

Latitude

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Longitude

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Altitude

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Velocity

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Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info

Name

COSMOS 1266 FUEL CORE

Alternative Name

Kosmos-1266 reactor core

Type

Debris

Status

Space Junk

Owner

VMF

Country

USSR

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs
1 12435U 81037D   26185.06165610 -.00000069  00000-0  18143-4 0  9998
2 12435  64.7693  73.1976 0031586 241.9632 117.8235 13.93192420298588

Source: Celestrak

Summary
Space debris, also known as space junk, encompasses all non-functional objects orbiting Earth such as defunct satellites, spent rocket stages, and fragments from collisions or disintegrations. Over time, this debris can accumulate and create an increasingly hazardous environment in orbit. Even tiny fragments, traveling at extremely high velocities, can inflict significant damage on operational satellites and spacecraft. If left unmanaged, the density of debris raises the risk of catastrophic collisions and further fragmentation, compounding the problem and threatening the safety and sustainability of space activities.
Physical Characteristics

Length

0.5

Diameter

0.2

Span

0.5

Dry Mass

53

Launch Mass

53

Shape

Cyl

Radar Cross Section

0.15

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

US-A reactor core

Purpose

Unknown

Mission

Unknown

Manufacturer

KOMET

Life Expectancy

Unknown

Bus

US-A reactor core

Configuration

Unknown

Motor

Unknown

Equipment

Unknown

Power System

Unknown

ADCS

Unknown

Transmitter Frequency

Unknown

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