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COSMOS 1281 (12583)
COSPAR: 1981-064A | Alt Name: Kosmos-1281
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
July 7, 1981
Launch Site
PLMSC
Launch Pad
LC43/3
Launch Vehicle
Soyuz-U
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
12583
International Designator
1981-064A
Decay Date
7/22/1981
Basic Satellite Info
Name
COSMOS 1281
Alternative Name
Kosmos-1281
Type
Payload
Status
Decayed
Owner
GUKOS
Country
USSR
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Summary
COSMOS 1281, also known as Kosmos-1281, is a reconnaissance satellite launched by the Soviet Union on July 7, 1981, from the PLMSC launch site using a Soyuz-U launch vehicle. The spacecraft has a Zenit bus configuration and features a sphere plus DCone shape with dimensions of 6 meters in length and diameter, and 2.2 meters in span. Its dry mass is 2655 kg, which is equal to its launch mass. Equipped with batteries for power supply and an Argon No. 35L payload for film return type photo reconnaissance, the satellite was designed to operate for a lifetime of approximately 14 days. The spacecraft's motor consists of an 11D82M engine paired with an S5.120 maneuver module. Manufactured by TSSKB and owned by GUKOS, COSMOS 1281 was part of the Soviet Union’s efforts in space-based reconnaissance missions during the Cold War era.
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. 35L
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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