COSMOS 1270 (12461)

COSPAR: 1981-045A | Alt Name: Kosmos-1270
DECAYED

Image
COSMOS 1270 Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

May 18, 1981

Launch Pad

LC31

Launch Vehicle

Soyuz-U

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

12461

International Designator

1981-045A

Decay Date

6/17/1981

Basic Satellite Info

Name

COSMOS 1270

Alternative Name

Kosmos-1270

Type

Payload

Status

Decayed

Owner

GUKOS

Country

USSR

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Summary
COSMOS 1270, also known as Kosmos-1270, is a reconnaissance satellite designed for photographic film return type missions launched by GUKOS from the TYMSC launch site on May 18, 1981. It was built by TSSKB and utilized a Soyuz-U launch vehicle from LC31. The spacecraft has a configuration consisting of a Yantar Bus with a main reentry module and two small reentry capsules, equipped with a Zhemchug-4 camera for its mission. With dimensions of 6.3 meters in length, 2.7 meters in diameter, and the same span, it had a launch mass and dry mass both at 2886 kg. Its power system includes two deployable solar arrays and batteries. The satellite has a conical cylindrical shape with an RCS area of 38.63 square meters and was designed to operate for approximately 30 days in orbit.
Physical Characteristics

Length

6.3

Diameter

2.7

Span

6.3

Dry Mass

2886

Launch Mass

2886

Shape

Cone + Cyl

Radar Cross Section

38.63

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

Feniks No. 18L (980)

Purpose

Reconnaissance, photo (film return type)

Mission

Reconnaissance, photo (film return type)

Manufacturer

TSSKB

Life Expectancy

30 days

Bus

Yantar'-2K

Configuration

Yantar Bus, main reentry module, 2 small reentry capsules

Motor

Unknown

Equipment

Zhemchug-4 camera

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.

X Report 31 May 2025

X Report 31 May 2025

SpaceX successfully launched the latest GPS satellite for the U.S. military, while the FAA has initiated a mishap investigation on a recent Starship test flight. CEO Elon Musk provided updates on the future of the Starship program, indicating ambitious plans ahead.

X Report 9 Jun 2025

X Report 9 Jun 2025

Tensions between SpaceX and the U.S. government escalate as President Trump's threats could have significant implications on the company's operations and future plans. Meanwhile, India takes a significant step in its space endeavors with a historic astronaut launch.

Space Brief 17 Dec 2023

Space Brief 17 Dec 2023

Rocket Lab's successful Electron return to flight, China's third Shenlong mission, lessons from Virgin Orbit's failure in the UK, Hubble's 30-year post-repair anniversary, and a summary of recent global launches.

X Report 23 Jun 2025

X Report 23 Jun 2025

SpaceX gears up for the Transporter 14 rideshare mission, while recent Starship setbacks have not deterred plans for Falcon 9 launches.

X Report 25 Jul 2025

X Report 25 Jul 2025

SpaceX successfully launched NASA's TRACERS mission while Starlink faced a brief global outage, affecting users worldwide.

X Report 14 Nov 2025

X Report 14 Nov 2025

SpaceX progresses on Starship testing while Rocket Lab delays its Neutron rocket debut, potentially impacting the competitive landscape in space launches.

Space Brief 5 Jul 2025

Space Brief 5 Jul 2025

Today's space highlights include China's first classified Shiyan-28B launch, Boeing's major satellite contract, new NASA budget allocations, and plans for shuttle Discovery's relocation.

The Details of Apollo 1

The Details of Apollo 1

How a catastrophic fire in 1967 fundamentally altered NASA's approach to human spaceflight and continues to influence modern spacecraft design