COSMOS 1734 (16618)

COSPAR: 1986-020A | Alt Name: Kosmos-1734

DECAYED

Image

Additional Sources

Launch Details

Launch Date

February 26, 1986

Launch Site

PLMSC

Launch Pad

LC43/4

Launch Vehicle

Soyuz-U

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

16618

International Designator

1986-020A

Decay Date

4/26/1986

Basic Satellite Info

Name

COSMOS 1734

Alternative Name

Kosmos-1734

Type

Payload

Status

Decayed

Owner

GUKOS

Country

USSR

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Summary

COSMOS 1734 (also known as Kosmos-1734) is a reconnaissance satellite launched by the Soviet Union on February 26, 1986, from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome using a Soyuz-U launch vehicle. The spacecraft, part of the Yantar'-4K2 series manufactured by TSSKB, has dimensions measuring 6.3 meters in length and diameter of 2.7 meters, with a span of 6.3 meters. It weighs 2886 kg at both dry mass and launch mass. COSMOS 1734 is designed for photographic reconnaissance using film return technology, featuring a Yantar Bus configuration that includes a main reentry module and two small reentry capsules to transport the exposed film back to Earth. The satellite is powered by two deployable solar arrays and batteries, with an RCS (Reaction Control System) capacity of 146.82. Its shape consists of a cylindrical body with two pans. Owned by GUKOS, the mission of COSMOS 1734 involves carrying the Kobal't No. 838 payload for reconnaissance purposes.

Physical Characteristics

Length

6.3

Diameter

2.7

Span

6.3

Dry Mass

2886

Launch Mass

2886

Shape

Cyl + 2 Pan

Radar Cross Section

146.82

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

Kobal't No. 838

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.

X Report 31 May 2025

SpaceX successfully launched the latest GPS satellite for the U.S. military, while the FAA has initiated a mishap investigation on a recent Starship test flight. CEO Elon Musk provided updates on the future of the Starship program, indicating ambitious plans ahead.

White House Orders Space Nuclear Power by 2028 | KeepTrack Space Brief

White House directs NASA and Pentagon to field space nuclear power systems by 2028, with DoD demonstration required by 2031. Game-changer for military satellite power budgets.

SpaceX Launches 1,500th Starlink of 2026, Space Brief 15 Jun 2026

SpaceX launches its 1,500th Starlink satellite of 2026 as shares jump 19% on Nasdaq debut day. Musk targets $1 trillion in annual revenue by 2030.

Space Brief 8 Jan 2025

Today's highlights include China's launch of Shijian-25 for on-orbit refueling tests, Pentagon's investment in defense technologies, and key military upgrades.

Space Brief 18 Sep 2024

Today's Space Brief covers Rocket Lab's IoT satellite launch, SpaceX's European Galileo satellites, FAA's fine on SpaceX, Polaris Dawn mission achievements, and more.

Suborbital Tourism Scorecard 2026, the Edge of Space Goes Quiet

Twenty-two years after SpaceShipOne, the two companies that defined suborbital tourism are both sitting on the ground. Blue Origin parked New Shepard in January, Virgin Galactic has not flown a customer since 2024, and the math behind the whole business is finally getting an honest look.

Space Brief 25 Nov 2025

Today's briefing covers Chinese satellite launches, military defense strategies in space, increasing launch activity at the Space Coast, and potential rivals to SpaceX's Starlink.

X Report 6 Aug 2025

SpaceX has adapted Pad 1 for Ship Static Fire tests while addressing the recent downtime at Massey’s, showcasing its commitment to maintaining launch schedules despite setbacks.