Space Brief 31 Aug 2025
SpaceX makes headlines with dual Starlink launches, Rocket Lab inaugurates new launch complex, while AI's impact on space missions and satellite technology continues to stir discussions.
COSMOS 1404 (13449)
COSPAR: 1982-086A | Alt Name: Kosmos-1404
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
September 1, 1982
Launch Site
PLMSC
Launch Pad
LC43/3
Launch Vehicle
Soyuz-U
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
13449
International Designator
1982-086A
Decay Date
9/15/1982
Basic Satellite Info
Name
COSMOS 1404
Alternative Name
Kosmos-1404
Type
Payload
Status
Decayed
Owner
GUKOS
Country
USSR
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Summary
COSMOS 1404 (also known as Kosmos-1404) is a reconnaissance satellite launched by the Soviet Union on September 1, 1982, from Plesetsk Cosmodrome's LC43/3 pad using a Soyuz-U launch vehicle. The spacecraft has a configuration based on the Zenit bus and measures 6 meters in length with a diameter of 2.2 meters and a span of 6 meters. It weighs 2655 kilograms at launch and has the same dry mass. Its mission is reconnaissance, focusing on photography using a film return type payload known as Argon No. 55L. The satellite's power source consists of batteries. The spacecraft features a shape described as Sphere + DCone and its motor includes an 11D82M engine along with an S5.120 maneuver module. Operated by GUKOS, the COSMOS 1404 had a short operational lifetime of only 14 days.
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. 55L
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
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
Space Brief 30 Apr 2025
Today's briefing covers a significant hypersonic missile launch by the U.S. Army, the declassification of spy satellite photos aiding demining efforts, and the deployment of cutting-edge research payloads to the ISS.
Etlaq Spaceport
The Middle East's first commercial spaceport is building launch heritage one rocket at a time. How Oman is positioning Duqm as a global launch hub - and what the 2025 delays tell us about the real pace of spaceport development.
NASA OIG Flags Starship Artemis Gaps as Falcon 9 Eyes 8-Launch Week | KeepTrack X Report
NASA's Inspector General warns of crew survival analysis gaps in Starship lunar lander program as Falcon 9 prepares to lead 8 global launches this week.
X Report 22 Apr 2025
Amid multiple new launches, SpaceX marks its 300th orbital flight milestone at Cape Canaveral while pushing forward with cargo and reentry missions.
Space Brief 13 Nov 2024
Today's focus spans critical developments in military space initiatives, strategic policy shifts, and modest steps in semiconductor advancements. Key developments include Rocket Lab's new U.S. Air Force contract, Sierra Space's progress in satellite programs, and potential policy changes under Trump's leadership.
Transporter 16 Carries 119 Payloads to SSO, X Report 29 Mar 2026
Transporter 16 carries 119 payloads: SpaceX's rideshare mission targets Sun-synchronous orbit from Vandenberg, one of its densest manifests yet.
25 Starlinks Lift Off from Vandenberg in Latest Batch | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX launched 25 more Starlink satellites from Vandenberg SFB on March 8, 2026, pushing the active constellation toward 9,914 working spacecraft.