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COSMOS 1296 (12687)
COSPAR: 1981-078A | Alt Name: Kosmos-1296
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
August 13, 1981
Launch Site
PLMSC
Launch Pad
LC41/1
Launch Vehicle
Soyuz-U
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
12687
International Designator
1981-078A
Decay Date
9/13/1981
Basic Satellite Info
Name
COSMOS 1296
Alternative Name
Kosmos-1296
Type
Payload
Status
Decayed
Owner
GUKOS
Country
USSR
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Summary
COSMOS 1296, also known as Kosmos-1296, is a reconnaissance satellite launched by GUKOS on August 13, 1981, from the PLMSC launch site using Soyuz-U as its launch vehicle. It has dimensions of 6.3 meters in length and diameter, with a span of 6.3 meters. The spacecraft has a dry mass of 2886 kg, which is also its launch mass. Its configuration includes a Yantar Bus with a main reentry module and two small reentry capsules, equipped with the Zhemchug-4 camera for photographic reconnaissance purposes. The satellite uses two deployable solar arrays and batteries for power supply. It was designed to operate in space for approximately 30 days as part of its mission to capture film images of the Earth's surface for return. Manufactured by TSSKB, COSMOS 1296 features a conical shape with a cylindrical body and has an RCS (Reaction Control System) area of 55.33 square meters.
Physical Characteristics
Length
6.3
Diameter
2.7
Span
6.3
Dry Mass
2886
Launch Mass
2886
Shape
Cone + Cyl
Radar Cross Section
55.33
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Feniks No. 21L (943)
Purpose
Reconnaissance, photo (film return type)
Mission
Reconnaissance, photo (film return type)
Manufacturer
TSSKB
Life Expectancy
30 days
Bus
Yantar'-2K
Configuration
Yantar Bus, main reentry module, 2 small reentry capsules
Motor
Unknown
Equipment
Zhemchug-4 camera
Power System
2 deployable solar arrays, batteries
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
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