Space Brief 22 May 2025
Today's brief covers strategic alignments in U.S. military space operations, a landmark missile defense program, and advances in secure satellite communications.
Launch Date
February 7, 1986
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC1
Launch Vehicle
Soyuz-U
NORAD ID
16589
International Designator
1986-013A
Decay Date
10/3/1986
Name
COSMOS 1731
Alternative Name
Kosmos-1731
Type
Status
Owner
GUKOS
Country
USSR
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Length
7.5
Diameter
2.7
Span
8.5
Dry Mass
3390
Launch Mass
3390
Shape
Cyl + 2 Pan
Radar Cross Section
92.19
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Payload
Yantar'-4KS1M No. 1L
Purpose
Reconnaissance, photo (data transmitting)
Mission
Reconnaissance, photo (data transmitting)
Manufacturer
TSSKB
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Yantar'-4KS1
Configuration
Yantar Bus
Motor
Unknown
Equipment
Unknown
Power System
2 deployable solar arrays, batteries
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
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