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COSMOS 1291 (12640)
COSPAR: 1981-074E | Alt Name: Kosmos-1291
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
August 6, 1981
Launch Site
PLMSC
Launch Pad
LC132/2
Launch Vehicle
Kosmos 11K65M
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
12640
International Designator
1981-074E
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 05:38:20 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
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Inclination
74.03°
Right Ascension
277.17°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
236.17°
Period
115.12 min
Mean Motion
12.51 rev/day
Latitude
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Longitude
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Altitude
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Velocity
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Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
COSMOS 1291
Alternative Name
Kosmos-1291
Type
Payload
Status
Unknown
Owner
GUKOS
Country
USSR
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 12640U 81074E 26185.23495712 .00000010 00000-0 16899-3 0 9995
2 12640 74.0344 277.1717 0004735 236.1666 151.4404 12.50887544 50613
Source: Celestrak
Summary
COSMOS 1291 (also known as Kosmos-1291) is a military communication satellite with the OBJECT_ID 1981-074E, launched on August 6, 1981, from PLMSC LC132/2 using the Kosmos 11K65M launch vehicle. It was manufactured by NPOPM and owned by GUKOS. The satellite has a Strela-1 11F625 bus configuration with dimensions of 0.8 meters in length, diameter, and span. Its dry mass is 60 kilograms, which is the same as its launch mass. It uses solar cells and batteries for power supply. The mission was designed to last approximately six months, serving military communication purposes. COSMOS 1291 carries a Strela-1M Blok 28 No. 5 payload and has an RCS of 0.6789 with a poly shape.
Physical Characteristics
Length
0.8
Diameter
0.8
Span
0.8
Dry Mass
60
Launch Mass
60
Shape
Poly
Radar Cross Section
0.6789
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Strela-1M Blok 28 No. 5
Purpose
Military Communication
Mission
Military Communication
Manufacturer
NPOPM
Life Expectancy
6 months
Bus
Strela-1 11F625
Configuration
Unknown
Motor
Unknown
Equipment
Unknown
Power System
Solar cells, batteries
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
Map
Next Pass
Azimuth Elevation Time (Local)
Start Azimuth
Max Elevation
Stop Azimuth
Time Until
Pass Duration
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