Space Brief 30 Mar 2025
Today's highlights include Rocket Lab joining the US Space Force's national security launch program, SpaceX's upcoming Starlink deployment, China's successful EVA, and intriguing science aboard SpaceX's Fram2 mission.
COSMOS 1271 (12464)
COSPAR: 1981-046A | Alt Name: Kosmos-1271
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
May 19, 1981
Launch Site
PLMSC
Launch Pad
LC43/3
Launch Vehicle
Vostok 8A92M
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
12464
International Designator
1981-046A
Decay Date
5/3/2013
Basic Satellite Info
Name
COSMOS 1271
Alternative Name
Kosmos-1271
Type
Payload
Status
Decayed
Owner
GRU
Country
USSR
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Summary
COSMOS 1271, also known as Kosmos-1271, is a Tselina-D satellite launched by the Soviet Union on May 19, 1981, from the PLMSC site using the Vostok 8A92M launch vehicle. It was manufactured by YUZH and operated for about six months as part of its SIGINT mission under ownership of GRU. The satellite has a cylindrical shape with antennas, measuring 3.2 meters in length, 1.3 meters in diameter, and a span of 13.1 meters. Its dry mass is 1750 kg, the same as its launch mass. Power was provided by two deployable solar arrays and batteries. The satellite's primary purpose was SIGINT, carrying the Ikar No. 23L payload. Its radar cross-section (RCS) is noted at 8.4106 square meters.
Physical Characteristics
Length
3.2
Diameter
1.3
Span
13.1
Dry Mass
1750
Launch Mass
1750
Shape
Cyl + Ant
Radar Cross Section
8.4106
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Ikar No. 23L
Purpose
SIGINT
Mission
SIGINT
Manufacturer
YUZH
Life Expectancy
6 months
Bus
Tselina-D
Configuration
Unknown
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 24 Jan 2025
Today's highlights include China's launch of classified TJS-14 satellite, Boeing's defense program losses, and the fourth batch launch of Thousand Sails satellites.
Space Brief 20 Apr 2025
Today's highlights include advances in space tracking technology by the US Space Force, SpaceX's infrastructure expansion, and a spectacular birthday landing on Earth. Additionally, we spotlight a significant exoplanetary discovery and satellite updates.
X Report 6 Jun 2025
Today's SpaceX Brief highlights the imminent launch of the Ax-4 mission, notable milestones in Falcon rocket history, and the impact of political tensions on SpaceX operations.
X Report 4 Nov 2025
Tesla's Cybertruck fleet integrates with SpaceX operations at Starbase, showcasing synergy between Musk's companies.
Falcon Heavy Launches ViaSat-3 F3, Space Brief 27 Apr 2026
Falcon Heavy launched ViaSat-3 F3 on April 27, its 12th flight, with the first dual landing zone recovery. Plus Soyuz-5's demo flight nears at Baikonur.
Virgin Galactic's Upcoming "Galactic 06" Spaceflight
On January 26, 2024, Virgin Galactic's "Galactic 06" mission will launch, marking its 11th spaceflight.
Space Brief 18 Nov 2024
Today's brief highlights a Starlink satellite launch, an OpTech optical sensor contract for the Space Force, and a unique STEM experiment involving space-flown seeds.