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
COSMOS 1421 (13661)
COSPAR: 1982-112A | Alt Name: Kosmos-1421
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
November 18, 1982
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC31
Launch Vehicle
Soyuz-U
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
13661
International Designator
1982-112A
Decay Date
12/2/1982
Basic Satellite Info
Name
COSMOS 1421
Alternative Name
Kosmos-1421
Type
Payload
Status
Decayed
Owner
GUKOS
Country
USSR
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Summary
COSMOS 1421 (also known as Kosmos-1421) is a reconnaissance satellite equipped for photo film return type missions, launched by the Soviet Union on November 18, 1982, from Launch Pad LC31 at TYMSC using a Soyuz-U launch vehicle. The satellite has dimensions of 6 meters in length and diameter of 2.2 meters with a span of 6 meters, operating on batteries for power. It features the Zenit-6 bus configuration with a dry mass of 2655 kg, identical to its launch mass. The mission was managed by GUKOS (Main Directorate of Space Forces), and it carried an Argon No. 72L payload designed for reconnaissance purposes. The satellite's shape is characterized as Sphere + DCone, and it 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. 72L
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 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.
X Report 22 Dec 2025
SpaceX celebrates a year of industry milestones, including the successful deployment of Starlink satellites and innovative advancements in rocket technology.
China Launches VLEO Alliance With Sats Below 300km | KeepTrack Space Brief
China formalized a national VLEO industry alliance with multiple satellites sustaining operations below 300 kilometers altitude. Propulsion startups attracting investment.
Crew-11 Completes First-Ever ISS Medical Evacuation, SpaceX Sets Pad Record | KeepTrack X Report
Crew-11 astronauts splashdown off California in first-ever ISS medical evacuation. SpaceX sets pad turnaround record at Cape Canaveral with Starlink 6-98 deploying 29 satellites.
X Report 28 Dec 2024
SpaceX wraps up a stellar year with Starship achievements and prepares for a lunar triple-shot in 2025.
X Report 25 Aug 2025
SpaceX faced delays in launching its 10th Starship test flight while successfully deploying a Cargo Dragon to resupply the ISS, marking a significant milestone in the ongoing collaboration with NASA.
FAA Grounds Starship V3 for Mishap Probe, X Report 29 May 2026
FAA grounds Starship pending a mishap investigation into the V3 debut flight; return to flight hinges on FAA sign-off. Starlink 10-53 added 29 sats.