The 10 Most Iconic Satellites Still in Space
Let's look at the legacy of space exploration with the 10 most iconic satellites still orbiting Earth.
COSMOS 1308 (12835)
COSPAR: 1981-091A | Alt Name: Kosmos-1308
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
September 18, 1981
Launch Site
PLMSC
Launch Pad
LC132/1
Launch Vehicle
Kosmos 11K65M
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
12835
International Designator
1981-091A
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 05:17:13 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
82.92°
Right Ascension
161.95°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
49.67°
Period
104.68 min
Mean Motion
13.76 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
COSMOS 1308
Alternative Name
Kosmos-1308
Type
Payload
Status
Unknown
Owner
VMF
Country
USSR
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 12835U 81091A 26185.22029579 .00000065 00000-0 51723-4 0 9999
2 12835 82.9197 161.9496 0028723 49.6721 321.3867 13.75653178247902
Source: Celestrak
Summary
COSMOS 1308, also known as Kosmos-1308, is a satellite launched on September 18, 1981, from the PLMSC launch site using a Kosmos 11K65M launch vehicle. It has a cylindrical shape with antennas and measures 5 meters in length, with a diameter of 2.1 meters and a span of 17 meters. The satellite weighs 800 kilograms at launch and dry mass is also 800 kilograms. Its mission includes navigation and data relay functions, powered by solar cells and batteries. Manufactured by OAZ for VMF (Vozdushno-Kosmicheskaya Forces), COSMOS 1308 carries a Parus payload and was launched from LC132/1 in the Soviet Union.
Physical Characteristics
Length
5
Diameter
2.1
Span
17
Dry Mass
800
Launch Mass
800
Shape
Cyl + Ant
Radar Cross Section
1.9671
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Parus
Purpose
Navigation, data relay
Mission
Navigation, data relay
Manufacturer
OAZ
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
KAUR-1 11F627
Configuration
KAUR-1
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
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
Space Brief 13 Jul 2025
Today's Space Brief covers key topics including new defense mandates for space, Firefly Aerospace's public filing, major funding for Varda Space Industries, and updates on SpaceX's Crew-11 mission and a mystery satellite launch.
Space Brief 25 Aug 2024
Today's Space Brief covers NASA's decision on Starliner, SpaceX's preparations for the Polaris Dawn mission, and updates on various space activities. Also featured is an in-depth look at the Hubble Space Telescope.
The Looming Crisis of Orbital Debris
As humanity increasingly relies on satellites, the escalating space junk problem poses a dire threat to our space-based infrastructure. With debris counts reaching alarming levels, urgent action is needed to prevent a cascade of collisions that could make key orbits unusable.
ULA Launches 29 Amazon Kuiper Satellites; Falcon Heavy Returns | KeepTrack Space Brief
ULA's Atlas V deployed 29 Amazon Kuiper LEO satellites on April 27. Falcon Heavy returns this week with ViaSat-3 F3. Six orbital launches scheduled across three continents.
Space Brief 12 Apr 2025
Highlights include significant advances in satellite refueling experiments, a key design milestone for missile defense, and a feature on the satellite Cosmos 2246.
Space Brief 1 Mar 2025
Today's Space Brief covers reentries, the impact of NOAA dismissals on space weather tracking, a strategic academic partnership probing cosmic mysteries, and a newly unveiled space motto.
Space Force Opens Cape Canaveral and Vandenberg Pads to New Launch Providers | KeepTrack Space Brief
Space Force issues call for launch providers at Cape Canaveral and Vandenberg. Vandenberg opens Space Launch Complex 14 bidding with Feb 12 deadline. Electra pitches hybrid aircraft to Pentagon.