Space Brief 14 Aug 2025
Today's brief covers the Vulcan Centaur's first mission, military space automation insights, and the retirement reflections of a Space Force leader.
COSMOS 1647 (15655)
COSPAR: 1985-031A | Alt Name: Kosmos-1647
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
April 19, 1985
Launch Site
PLMSC
Launch Pad
LC41/1
Launch Vehicle
Soyuz-U
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
15655
International Designator
1985-031A
Decay Date
6/11/1985
Basic Satellite Info
Name
COSMOS 1647
Alternative Name
Kosmos-1647
Type
Payload
Status
Decayed
Owner
GUKOS
Country
USSR
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Summary
COSMOS 1647, also known as Kosmos-1647, is a reconnaissance satellite launched on April 19, 1985, from the Plesetsk Launch Site LC41/1 using a Soyuz-U launch vehicle. The spacecraft, designated Yantar'-4K2 and manufactured by TSSKB, features a configuration that includes a main reentry module along with two small reentry capsules for film return missions. With dimensions of 6.3 meters in length and 2.7 meters in diameter, COSMOS 1647 has a dry mass of 2886 kilograms. The satellite is powered by two deployable solar arrays and batteries, and its shape is characterized as cylindrical with two panels. It was operated by GUKOS for reconnaissance purposes, specifically for photographic missions that involved returning film to Earth.
Physical Characteristics
Length
6.3
Diameter
2.7
Span
6.3
Dry Mass
2886
Launch Mass
2886
Shape
Cyl + 2 Pan
Radar Cross Section
36.12
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Kobal't No. 503
Purpose
Reconnaissance, photo (film return type)
Mission
Reconnaissance, photo (film return type)
Manufacturer
TSSKB
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Yantar'-4K2
Configuration
Yantar Bus, main reentry module, 2 small reentry capsules
Motor
Unknown
Equipment
Unknown
Power System
2 deployable solar arrays, batteries
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
GAO Warns Space Force Satellite Costs Rising, Workforce Cuts Add Risk | KeepTrack Space Brief
GAO flags growing cost problems across Space Force satellite portfolio with workforce reductions compounding risks to missile-warning constellations like NGG and SWAT.
Space Brief 14 Dec 2025
Today's briefing covers Blue Origin's certification progress, a near-miss between a Chinese spacecraft and a Starlink satellite, SpaceX's latest Starlink launch and booster landing, potential IPO news from SpaceX, and advancements in Starlink integration with Tesla vehicles.
The Day Humanity First Touched an Asteroid
Twenty-four years ago, a spacecraft designed only to orbit made history with an improvised landing on asteroid Eros, marking humanitys first controlled touchdown on a small celestial body
Transporter-16 Lofts 119 Payloads to SSO | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX's Falcon 9 launches 119 payloads on Transporter-16, the 21st smallsat rideshare mission, from Vandenberg SFB at 1102 UTC.
X Report 3 Dec 2025
SpaceX completes multiple successful launches, enhancing its Starlink constellation with new satellites while resolving personnel issues related to Crew 12.
X Report 31 Dec 2025
Vandenberg Space Force Base opens a new launch site that may accommodate SpaceX's Starship. Meanwhile, Starlink continues to expand its service capabilities.
The Day When Cassini Chose the Long Way Home
Cassini's Titan T-115 encounter marked the moment the spacecraft stopped looking down and started looking sideways, trading one type of science for another as it entered the final chapter of an iconic mission.