SpaceX Names AI Megaconstellation "Starmind" | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX officially names its planned AI megaconstellation Starmind while a Falcon 9 upper stage targets a lunar impact this August.
COSMOS 1279 (12571)
COSPAR: 1981-062A | Alt Name: Kosmos-1279
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
July 1, 1981
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC31
Launch Vehicle
Soyuz-U
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
12571
International Designator
1981-062A
Decay Date
7/15/1981
Basic Satellite Info
Name
COSMOS 1279
Alternative Name
Kosmos-1279
Type
Payload
Status
Decayed
Owner
GUKOS
Country
USSR
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Summary
COSMOS 1279 (also known as Kosmos-1279) is a reconnaissance satellite launched by the Soviet Union on July 1, 1981, from TYMSC launch site using Soyuz-U rocket from LC31 pad. The satellite has a Zenit-6 bus configuration with dimensions of 6 meters in length and 2.2 meters in diameter, and it weighs 2655 kg at launch. It was designed for reconnaissance purposes, equipped with the Argon No. 48L payload for film return type photography. The power supply is based on batteries, and its shape consists of a sphere combined with a DCone. The satellite had a short operational lifetime of 14 days, manufactured by TSSKB under the ownership of GUKOS.
Physical Characteristics
Length
6
Diameter
2.2
Span
6
Dry Mass
2655
Launch Mass
2655
Shape
Sphere + DCone
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Argon No. 48L
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
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
X Report 30 Aug 2025
SpaceX impresses with the successful launch of 24 Starlink satellites and shares stunning visuals from the recent Starship Flight 10, which demonstrated remarkable landing precision.
Space Brief 25 Jan 2025
Today's Space Brief covers pivotal updates in military space capabilities, defense acquisitions, the UK's nuclear enhancements, and Boeing's financial challenges.
Space Brief 12 Dec 2025
Today's space brief highlights the U.S. Space Force's new satellite naming scheme, the Air Force Secretary's warnings on China's space advances, BAE Systems' DARPA award, strategies for future space defense, the importance of GEO satellite refueling, and Blue Origin's plans for Space Force certification.
GPS III SV-10 Moves to Falcon 9 After Vulcan Grounded | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX claims a 2nd GPS III launch as ULA's Vulcan investigation stalls, while ESA charters a Crew Dragon ISS mission and Starlink hits 30 launches in 2026.
Suborbital Tourism Scorecard 2026, the Edge of Space Goes Quiet
Twenty-two years after SpaceShipOne, the two companies that defined suborbital tourism are both sitting on the ground. Blue Origin parked New Shepard in January, Virgin Galactic has not flown a customer since 2024, and the math behind the whole business is finally getting an honest look.
X Report 11 Feb 2025
SpaceX successfully launches 23 Starlink satellites, NASA selects SpaceX for astrophysics mission, and Starship Flight 8 advances with Booster 15 static fire.
Space Brief 23 Sep 2025
Explore the latest in satellite launches and space reconnaissance as Lockheed Martin, SpaceX, and military entities push forward with innovative missions. A new propulsion clean room marks growth in satellite tech.