Space Brief 23 Oct 2024
Today's brief shines a light on surging space debris due to a new satellite breakup, SpaceX's continuous Starlink expansions, and notable legal support for Elon Musk's launch endeavors.
COSMOS 2020 (19986)
COSPAR: 1989-036A | Alt Name: Kosmos-2020
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
May 17, 1989
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC1
Launch Vehicle
Soyuz-U
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
19986
International Designator
1989-036A
Decay Date
7/15/1989
Basic Satellite Info
Name
COSMOS 2020
Alternative Name
Kosmos-2020
Type
Payload
Status
Decayed
Owner
UNKS
Country
USSR
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Summary
COSMOS 2020, also known as Kosmos-2020, is a reconnaissance satellite launched on May 17, 1989, from the TYSMC launch site using Soyuz-U as its launch vehicle. It features a Yantar Bus configuration with a main reentry module and two small reentry capsules for film return type reconnaissance missions. The spacecraft measures 6.3 meters in length and has a diameter of 2.7 meters with a span of 6.3 meters, and it weighs 2886 kg at launch and dry mass. Power is provided by two deployable solar arrays and batteries. Manufactured by TSSKB, COSMOS 2020 was designed for photographic reconnaissance missions and its payload includes Kobal't No. 874. The satellite’s shape is described as cylindrical with two panels, and it has a radar cross-section of 29.25 square meters.
Physical Characteristics
Length
6.3
Diameter
2.7
Span
6.3
Dry Mass
2886
Launch Mass
2886
Shape
Cyl + 2 Pan
Radar Cross Section
29.25
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Kobal't No. 874
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.
Space Brief 22 Mar 2025
Today's briefing covers a range of critical space industry updates, from Space Force's strategic initiatives to SpaceX's latest launch record and groundbreaking developments in orbital manufacturing.
Space Brief 28 Jan 2025
Today's highlights include Space Force's budget shifts, China's new commercial lunar collaboration, and SpaceX's latest Starlink launch.
X Report 12 Dec 2025
SpaceX makes headlines with record-breaking launch operations, while plans for an IPO signal major changes in the company's trajectory and could inspire industry-wide movements.
Space Brief 23 Sep 2025
Explore the latest in satellite launches and space reconnaissance as Lockheed Martin, SpaceX, and military entities push forward with innovative missions. A new propulsion clean room marks growth in satellite tech.
Three Chinese Rocket Bodies Exploded, Generating Decades of LEO Debris | KeepTrack Space Brief
Three Chinese rocket bodies have exploded over four years, creating debris clouds that will linger for decades to centuries, according to LeoLabs analysis. Fragmentation events threaten commercial and military operators.
Artemis 2 Returns to Pad, Targets April 1 Launch | KeepTrack Space Brief
NASA's SLS and Orion spacecraft rolled back to Launch Complex 39B, targeting April 1 for first crewed lunar flyby with four astronauts aboard.
Space Force Eyes Asteroid Mining, Clashes With Congress on R-GPS | KeepTrack Space Brief
Space Force sees strategic value in asteroid mining. Congress pushes back on R-GPS phase-out over jamming risks. BlackSky expands Gen 3 defense contracts.