Space Force Requests $1.6B for New LEO Relay Network | KeepTrack Space Brief
Space Force scraps SDA transport layer, requests $1.6 billion for proliferated LEO SATCOM constellation. Roger Mason nominated to lead NRO.
COSMOS 1286 (12631)
COSPAR: 1981-072A | Alt Name: Kosmos-1286
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
August 4, 1981
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC90
Launch Vehicle
Tsiklon-2
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
12631
International Designator
1981-072A
Decay Date
10/16/1982
Basic Satellite Info
Name
COSMOS 1286
Alternative Name
Kosmos-1286
Type
Payload
Status
Decayed
Owner
VMF
Country
USSR
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Summary
COSMOS 1286 (also known as Kosmos-1286) is an ocean surveillance satellite, passively monitoring oceans for the VMF (Russian Navy). Launched on August 4, 1981, from the TYSMC LC90 launch site using a Tsiklon-2 vehicle, it has a dry mass of 3,000 kg and was manufactured by ARSL/KOMET. The satellite measures 10 meters in length with a diameter of 1.3 meters and spans 17 meters when fully deployed. It is powered by two deployable fixed solar arrays and batteries. Its configuration is based on the US-Bus design, and it features a cylindrical body with two panels. The NORAD Catalog ID for this satellite is 12631.
Physical Characteristics
Length
10
Diameter
1.3
Span
17
Dry Mass
3000
Launch Mass
3300
Shape
Cyl + 2 Pan
Radar Cross Section
31.6529
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
US-P No. 123
Purpose
Ocean surveillance, passive
Mission
Ocean surveillance, passive
Manufacturer
ARSL/KOMET
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
US-P
Configuration
US-Bus
Motor
Unknown
Equipment
Unknown
Power System
2 deployable fixed solar arrays, batteries
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
Starlink V2 Flies on Starship in 2027, X Report 4 Mar 2026
Gwynne Shotwell confirms Starlink V2 launches on Starship in 2027. Ship 39 preps Starship Flight 12; Falcon 9 lofts its 600th Starlink of 2026.
Space Brief 17 Feb 2025
Today's brief covers the first astronaut with a disability preparing for the ISS mission, SpaceX’s recent Starlink launch, funding breakthroughs for satellite tech company K2 Space, and updates on the Artemis program's challenges.
The Day We Lost Apollo 1
Fifty-eight years ago, a tragic fire during a routine test transformed spacecraft design and created the foundation of modern spaceflight safety culture
SpaceX and xAI Tapped for Pentagon's $100M Drone Contest | KeepTrack X Report
Pentagon selects SpaceX and xAI for $100M autonomous drone competition. Two Falcon 9 rockets launch Starlink sats from California and Florida. 11,215 total Starlink satellites launched.
LeoLabs and the Business of Watching Everything
A startup built on Cold War-era radar science now tracks 25,000 objects in orbit - and the Pentagon can't get enough of it. But can its radars really compete with the Space Surveillance Network?
Pentagon Raises Golden Dome to $185B for Space Defense Layer | KeepTrack Space Brief
Pentagon increases Golden Dome missile defense budget by $10B to $185B, funding HBTSS hypersonic tracking constellation expansion. Three acceleration priorities announced.
Space Brief 24 May 2025
Today's key space events include a milestone Falcon booster landing, advances in US military satellite operations, and a new missile defense initiative.