COSMOS 1277 (12520)

COSPAR: 1981-056A | Alt Name: Kosmos-1277
DECAYED

Image
COSMOS 1277 Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

June 17, 1981

Launch Pad

LC31

Launch Vehicle

Soyuz-U

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

12520

International Designator

1981-056A

Decay Date

7/2/1981

Basic Satellite Info

Name

COSMOS 1277

Alternative Name

Kosmos-1277

Type

Payload

Status

Decayed

Owner

GUKOS

Country

USSR

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Summary
COSMOS 1277, also known as Kosmos-1277, is a reconnaissance satellite launched by the Soviet Union on June 17, 1981, from the TYMSC launch site using LC31 and the Soyuz-U launch vehicle. The spacecraft uses the Zenit-6 bus configuration and has dimensions of 6 meters in length and 2.2 meters in diameter with a span of 6 meters. It features a sphere + DCone shape and weighs 2,655 kilograms both at launch and dry mass. Equipped with Argon No. 34L for photo reconnaissance purposes, COSMOS 1277 operates on batteries and is powered by motors including the 11D82M and S5.120 maneuver module. The satellite's mission was to conduct film return type photography for reconnaissance purposes. It had 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

17.2641

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

Argon No. 34L

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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